A section of religious leaders in Trans Nzoia County has faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta for publicly endorsing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga as his preferred presidential candidate.
Uhuru has pledged to campaign for Raila under the Azimio la Umoja Coalition.
But according to the religious leaders, led by the Archbishop of Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ Dr. Godfrey Siundu, the Commander in Chief erred by taking a political side in the August 9 poll.
“We clearly understand that our constitution allows the president to have an opinion but his opinion should not divide the country. His decision to support Raila Odinga is contrary to his role in fostering unity amongst Kenyans. Remember the president is a symbol of national unity” Dr. Siundu said.
The former Catholic priest who defied the celibacy law took a swipe at the Head of State for betraying his loyal Deputy President, Dr. William Ruto.
“We were all happy when we heard ‘yangu kumi, ya Ruto kumi’. But we are very sad that President Kenyatta has decided to betray his brother who stood with him when the rest of the leaders who are now dancing with him didn’t want to hear anything about him,” he noted.
Bishop Siundu appealed to President Kenyatta to reconsider his political decision and focus on uniting the country as head of the general election.
“As it is now, the President is busy dividing the country into factions. If he (President Kenyatta) wants to be respected after and to have a good legacy, then he should retreat and work on modalities of uniting the country,” said the clergy.
Addressing the media in Namatotoa, Bungoma County, Bishop Siundu also condemned political leaders who are spreading words of ethnic incitement and hate speech. He called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), to summon them for interrogation.
“Kenya is a multi-ethnic democracy. We all have right to live in Kenya. NCIC should deal with politicians who are raising political temperatures by dividing Kenyans along tribal lines and political parties’ affiliation,” he said.
With the date to the general elections drawing near, there have been heightened political activities across the country, with political parties forming coalitions and alliances.