Kenya’s religious leaders have advised Kenyans to carefully examine and vet candidates running for various seats in order to make educated decisions during the August 9 elections.
The Dialogue Reference Group, which is made up of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu religious leaders, told journalists on Thursday that Kenyans should be aware of leaders who push them to engage in violence or other acts of lawlessness before, during, or after the elections.
Religious leaders urged President Uhuru Kenyatta not to take sides in the next elections when using his freedom to support candidates of his choosing.
“We continue to urge the President, as the symbol of national unity, to balance his right to support candidates of his choice with the duty to assure all Kenyans that the state will not unduly influence the electoral process,” Kivuva said.
In a reference to various Cabinet Secretaries, including Interior CS Fred Matiangi, his ICT counterpart Joe Mucheru, and Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa, who have been widely criticized for their involvement in campaigns, Kivuva also asked all state officers to refrain from engaging in political activities in accordance with the constitution.
Kivuva encouraged all registered voters to double-check their voter registration information before exercising their right to vote.
Hassan Ole Naado, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), urged all aspirants to accept the results given by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the August polls or seek remedy in court if they were wronged.