Religious leaders are fed up by heightened political tensions caused by exchanges between DP William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. – By Gerald Gekara
Consequently, they have demanded that President Uhuru Kenyatta deals decisively with both leaders for their role in polarising the country.
In a memorandum presented to the President by the faith led group by Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria, the Churches said the rift between the two leaders was a recipe for anarchy.
In 2007, DP Ruto and Raila were in ODM when chaos erupted. Both leaders disputed the election of PNU candidate Mwai Kibaki. Ruto, alongside radio Journalist Joshua arap Sang, Henry Koskey, Uhuru Kenyatta Hussein Ali, and KRA Chairman Francis Muthaura were charged with the precipitating the violence.
The leaders urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to clamp down corruption and discourage divisive politics that have polarized Kenya in the run-up to the Building Bridges (BBI) report launch.
The letter is signed by spiritual leaders across all divides. The clergymen expressed concern over the rallies and unsavory remarks directed at the Presidency, and Kenyans of a different opinion.
“The political bickering and hurling of unsavory exchanges among our leaders are causing great anxiety among Kenyans. It is a sign of the growing intolerance in our Kenyan society that is fueled by the evil seed of hatred and pride, and a misconception of leaders that they own the citizens.” the statement read.
The leaders urged politicians and stakeholders to consider consultative dialogue that will lead to unity.
“The processes of National discussion on all the delicate issues of the BBl and possible Referendum ought to be fully consultative, where a truly inclusive dialogue takes place. These discussions and dialogue must lead to unity and not division.”
On matters of graft, the religious leaders said they were ready to support President Uhuru’s directives and urged transparency as one of the many interventions to root out corruption.
“Transparency and accountability enshrined in our Constitution must become part of our lifestream. We as Religious Leaders wish to request that the provisions of the law that bars any Elected person or Public Servants from having any other interests in businesses or supply tenders to any Government institution should be strictly enforced.” the leaders said.
The leaders urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider a full return to normalcy, in order to raise the country’s spiritual health that has suffered since the pandemic struck.
“Even though we are not fully out of the danger of the Covid-19 infections, we have noted the decline in the number of new cases and in the spread. We are therefore considering to progress to the Phase Two of the planned reopening schedule where we hope to welcome more of the younger and older members of our congregations.”
Religious communities remain to be one of the worst hit in the counter Covid-19 measures. Since the closure of churches, rise in crime, domestic violence and incidences of extra-ordinary behavior have been attributed to lack of safe spaces to worship, and share with congregants.
President Uhuru is expected to address the nation this week, to effect a possible lift in sanctions to areas that have recorded near-zero infection rates in the country.
