A section of senior religious leaders in Uasin Gishu County has called on political leaders and Kenyans to embrace peace and unity before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
The leaders who addressed a media briefing in Eldoret said as political temperatures are expected to go up with the opening of the official campaign period, politicians should choose a path that will ensure unity and peace.
In a statement read on their behalf by the Uasin Gishu interfaith council chairman Rev. Geoffrey Songok, the senior religious leaders further challenged security agencies to treat all incidences of a breach of peace during the electioneering period as a criminal act.
“We appeal to political leaders to choose paths that will ensure unity and security as peace is paramount. We urge the security agencies to treat all incidences related to breach of the peace as criminal acts and bring perpetrators to law,” said Rev. Songok.
They further insisted that political-ideological differences should not be the cause of violence but a constructive debate on how to elect good leaders.
And as preparations for the August 9 poll continues, the clergymen and women say the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must commit to conducting a free and fair election.
“Voters should shun leaders who will intend to bribe them for their favor,” said Rev. Songok.
Concerning the ongoing process of picking running mates for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, the senior religious leaders in Uasin Gishu asked Kenyans to remain calm.
“Let’s all wait for the outcome and receive positively whoever will be picked as a running mate for all the political formations,” they said.
Both presidential and gubernatorial aspirants have until May 16, 2022, to name their running mates.
Two major political formations – Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition are expected to soon announce their choice of running mates.
The current high cost of living that Kenyans are crippling with also came up during the meeting of the clergy who asked the government to “consider times and ensure we reduce the cost of living and products that have soared.”
