By Kamadi Amata
KAWANGWARE, NAIROBI-Legendary marathoner and Global Peace Ambassador Tegla Lorupe over the weekend led a vibrant Mother’s Day celebration in Kawangware 56, turning the spotlight on women’s empowerment and community security.
The event, organized by the Tegla Lorupe Peace Foundation in partnership with the Community Relations Foundation (CRF), brought together hundreds of residents in a rare show of unity that transcended political and social divides.
Shattering Slum Stereotypes
Addressing the gathering amidst the sounds of vuvuzelas and cheering, Lorupe took the opportunity to challenge the negative labels often attached to informal settlements.
“People often say that ‘slum areas’ are dangerous. But I ask, where is this danger? It doesn’t exist when we live and work together with our security agencies,” Lorupe stated. She emphasized that the primary goal of the Community Relations Foundation is to foster a peaceful working relationship between the leadership, the police, and the citizens.
A Non-Partisan Call to Action
With political temperatures often rising in the city, the three-time World Half-Marathon champion urged local leaders to prioritize service delivery over rhetoric. She called on elected officials to set aside their political differences and focus on contributing to the welfare of the mothers who serve as the backbone of the neighborhood.
“Today is not about politics; it is about recognizing that every mother here is a winner,” she added.
Direct Appeal to President Ruto
The Peace Ambassador also sent a direct message to the Head of State, President William Ruto, urging the national government to increase its investment in grassroots empowerment.
Lorupe noted that empowering mothers in areas like Kawangware is the most effective way to ensure children stay in school and families achieve a better quality of life. “President Ruto, look at these mothers. What has happened here in Kawangware is a clear example. We want these women to rise, to take their children to school, and to live dignified lives.”
Legacy of Peace
The visit left a lasting impact on the residents of Dagoretti South, reinforcing the idea that security and development start at the local level. As the celebration concluded, the message remained clear: peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of cooperation and respect for the “Mtaa.”