Civil society groups in Uasin Gishu have cautioned elected leaders against politicising prayer meetings. A caucus of clergy, council of elders and 2008 post-election violence victims warned that there is an emerging trend where politicians are mixing prayers and politics, which they said is a threat to genuine reconciliation.
Bishop Julius Atsango, Chairperson Uasin Gishu Pastors’ Fellowship addressing the press in Eldoret, said the church should be central in coordination of prayer meetings to ensure politicians do not use the pulpit to preach divisive politics.
“We know what triggered the 2008 post poll chaos and we are seeing the signs. We had to accommodate the evicted persons, preach peace and initiate the reconciliation process. Given that background, we cannot allow political rallies where politicians flare up emotions to go on,” said Atsango who addressed the press in Eldoret.
Josphat Mwangi a resident of Chepkanga and a victim of the 2008 poll violence, called for involvement of churches in peace building efforts and prayer rallies to ensure peace is safeguarded.
“During the clashes, because of safety reasons, I camped at the Eldoret Agricultural Society of Kenya show and lost all my belongings. That period is over and I am back at home and we are living in peace with everyone,” said Mwangi.
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Esther Kangogo from Burnt Forest one of the violence hot spots during the 2008 skirmishes said many communities have healed and moved on and politicians should respect that.
“We agreed to reconcile and live as Kenyans and these wounds should not be opened afresh. We suffered so much and are not ready to go through that mayhem again. These peace rallies are causing us jitters,” said Kangogo.
