Church leaders in Uasin Gishu County have challenged aspirants eyeing various elective positions in the upcoming general election to take the lead in preaching peace and unity amongst all communities.
Speaking during the official opening of Bread of Life Christian Ministries in Huruma estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town, the church leaders also called on the aspirants to avoid engaging in divisive politics.
Led by the Eldoret Pastors Fellowship chairman Bishop Bonface Simani, the clergy hailed efforts that outgoing Governor Jackson Mandago has been making to enhance cohesion in the county for the last 10 years.
“Eldoret is a safe city and we hope it will soon be confirmed as the next city and we’re peaceful. We thank God for the great job that Mandago has done in development and peacebuilding,” said Bishop Martin Shikuku of Glory Baptist Church.
They further called on the next governor of Uasin Gishu to ensure he/she continues with efforts to unite all communities in the county.
“We pray that God will bring in a peaceful leader in Eldoret,” noted Bishop Shikuku.
Similar sentiments were shared by Rev. Joel Gatimu who noted that Mandago’s peace-building efforts in partnership with the clergy, government agencies, and Community Based Organizations have helped spur development, especially after the 2007/08 post-election violence.
“As church leaders, we urge locals in the county to respect each other’s political stand,” said Rev. Gatimu.
Bishop John Mwaura of Echoes of Mercy Terbanacle on his part called on political leaders and locals to work on ensuring a peaceful nomination period.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is expected to hold its nomination on April 14, 2022, across the country.
With Uasin Gishu being a UDA stronghold, the nomination is expected to be hotly contested.
The church leaders also expressed their commitment to working with government agencies and politicians in ensuring there is peace and unity before, during, and after the August 9 general election.