Clerics call for tolerance and acceptance ahead of tomorrow's swearing-in

The clergy from the Catholic Church and the PCEA have called on Kenyans to be tolerant and forgive each other as the country prepares for the inauguration of President-Elect William Ruto.

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria shared a message of peace and reconciliation to the country stating that it was time to forgive and put aside the competitive nature of politics.

"I would like to call on Kenyans who have just overcome a very tough season of politicking, competition, and harsh rhetoric, to forgive and forget and start a new chapter," he said.

He observed that this was a time when some were heartbroken and others were in a celebratory mood.

"Let us pray for our leaders, even as we forgive each other and work together. Let us pray for the country to unite and heal in humility," he said.

Muheria said as President-Elect Ruto is sworn into office, all Kenyans should continue to pray for him so he can be led by God and have the wisdom and strength to unite us.

"We all have an interest in having a peaceful and developed country, and let us all reach out to Kenyans whose hopes were dashed in the concluded election so they can heal and move on," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by PCEA moderator Rev Thegu Mutahi. He further said that a very high number of Kenyan voters did not participate in the elections and this should be a concern for all leaders.

"Many voters did not turn up to vote in the elections and by not voting they made their voice heard. They expressed their mistrust for the electoral process," he said.

Mutahi said that while we congratulate the winners it was important to remember that the election period is over and time to embark on development.

"Some people have already started preparing for 2027 without having worked for us. This is the wrong attitude for our leaders, first start working for us," he said.

The PCEA moderator further urged winners to be gracious to the losers.

"Those mocking the ones who lost should avoid it and allow people to heal in their own time," Mutahi said.

"We want to thank the Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his supporters because we must accept half of this nation voted for him, for being a statesman and accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court," Mutahi said.