Bishops in the North Rift have stepped up calls for peaceful campaigns free from violence and the use of goons ahead of next year’s polls.
The church leaders are hosting inter-denominational peace prayer rallies to urge Kenyans, especially political leaders, to ensure the country goes through the elections peacefully.
The prayers are being organised by the Ecclesia Clergy Association, which brings together clergy from various groups in the region.
Vice chairman of the association Bonface Simani said their initial prayer rally at the Eldoret Sports Club had been postponed because it coincided with President Ruto’s visit to the area.
“We have rescheduled and will proceed immediately after the presidential activities, where we also had to participate as residents of Eldoret city,” Simani said.
Bishop Simani spoke in Eldoret, where he was accompanied by the association’s secretary general Bishop Samuel Weche and board member Richard Mangoli.
“We have had the challenge of goons and violence at some political meetings, we are telling our leaders that such behaviour does not benefit anyone in the end. We are all Kenyans even after elections,” Simani said.
He said young people must desist from being used to cause violence during political events, as they are the ones who end up being killed or injured for no reason.
Simani and Weche said leaders must instead work together to find solutions to challenges such as unemployment and drug and alcohol abuse, which many young people are grappling with.
“As church leaders, we are putting in God’s wish to have people enjoy good lives. That’s why we are hosting the prayers, so that we seek His intervention in everything we do, including elections,” Simani said.
Weche said the clergy had a role to play in providing moral guidance in society. He said they needed to work with all stakeholders to mould young people into good and responsible citizens.
Bishop Simani said they were already using the pulpit to sensitise young people and other members of the community on the need to respect God and engage only in activities that benefit their lives.
