By Patrick Beja, Anderson Ojwang’ and Stella Mwangi

Religious leaders have mounted pressure to back reforms to stem a possible crisis.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mombasa Bishop Julius Kalu and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) National Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa attributed the current political situation to the slow pace of reforms.

"It is up to the Head of State to stem the emerging crisis by putting reforms under Agenda Four on track. We don’t want to see mass action, chaos and killings. It is every important for the President to quickly restore sanity," Kalu said.

Boiling pot

He said the issue of land reforms was a boiling pot, adding the President should also ensure genuine power sharing with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and resolve the issue of protocol in Government.

Sheikh Khalifa said: "We want reforms that will ensure lasting peace. We did not expect indisciplined ministers and chaos in Cabinet."

CIPK South Coast Chairman Sheikh Khamis Banda urged all ministers and assistant ministers allied to former Justice minister Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya to desert President Kibaki.

Banda, who is allied to ODM, said Ms Karua’s outstanding performance as a reformist and staunch supporter of President Kibaki were taken for granted.

"Other than being humiliated, Karua should fight for the rights of Kenyans, including constitutional reforms outside the Cabinet," he said.

Meanwhile, religious leaders continue urging Kibaki and Raila to end their standoff and fast track reforms.

ACK Kitale Bishop the Reverend Stephen Kewasis and North Rift Co-ordinator of Peace and Reconciliation the Reverend Maritim Rirei said the two leaders must discard personal interests.

"What we are witnessing is not healthy, because we do not want more violence. Let the two leaders sit down and resolve their disputes," said Kewasis.

He said the interest of Kenyans should come first and that the two principals must be ready to make sacrifices for the good of the nation.

Rirei said the leaders should be ready and committed to an effective reform agenda to help resolve political and economic crises.

Pastor Mike Brawan of Metro Church said it was time for Kibaki and Raila to find a solution to the troubled coalition.

"Kenyans are scared of what will happen if one of the Coalition partners pulls out. The two leaders should meet," he said.