Retired President Daniel arap Moi, Deputy President William Ruto call for peace

Retired President Moi (centre) congratulates Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret Catholic Diocese during his thanksgiving ceremony at the Mothers of Apostles Seminary grounds in Uasin Gishu County yesterday. Looking on is Deputy President William Ruto. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Retired President Daniel arap Moi and Deputy President William Ruto have called on North Rift residents to live peacefully to ensure prosperity and economic development of the region.

The two leaders spoke less than a month after the Nadome killings where over 66 people died and a wave of continued cattle rustling and banditry that has adversely affected the pastoral communities in the region.

They were speaking in a colourful ceremony to mark the silver jubilee of Catholic diocese of Eldoret Bishop Cornelius Kipng’eno Korir’s ordination’s at Mother of Apostles Seminary School, in Eldoret town yesterday where they lauded the efforts by church leaders to bring lasting peace.

Christian mission

Moi praised Bishop Korir for his Christian mission to bring together different communities in the North Rift region and beyond, and called on all Kenyans to emulate the cleric’s good deeds.

He emphasised on the importance of harmony, saying peace starts from the family unit and advised parents to ensure their children are brought up with a religious foundation.

“When there is no peace at home then there is no development,” said the retired president.

He added, “Each of us should be good ambassadors of God and cultivate peace and harmony, there should be no discrimination against tribe, religion, nationality or gender because those who do so will land on the wrath of God.”

To mark the auspicious occasion speaker after speaker punctuated their speeches with biblical verses, calling for peace. “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the sons of God,” said Mzee Moi who added that everybody, regardless of their status in society should work for the sake of peace.

Thousands of people from different religions and denominations including Muslim clerics attended the ceremony that was full of music and dance to honour the bishop who has tirelessly championed for peace and development in the region.

Mzee Moi said the bishop has carried out his duties and service to mankind with dedication over the last 25 years, and underscored the need for Kenyans to live harmoniously, saying this will greatly boost nation building.

“My friendship with Bishop Korir is founded on peace, love and unity because we were brought together on shared Christian virtues,” Moi told the thousands of faithful.

On the other hand, Ruto said the Government will support peace efforts and initiatives mooted by churches across the country to ensure there is security and unity among citizens.

“As a Government, we will back you up in building peace through initiatives set by spiritual leaders in the North Rift region. I give the assurance of the Government because the church has distinguished itself in peace initiatives, education and health projects across the country,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President further said peaceful coexistence is key towards economic growth in the country and called on political leaders to emulate the examples set by church leaders in bringing peace and unity.

“Bishop Korir through his leadership as a cleric has brought together warring communities through his mission and said leaders should borrow a leaf from his work and dedicate themselves in serving humanity,” said Ruto.

He praised efforts of the Catholic Church through Bishop Korir in reconciling communities during the post-election violence, adding that he played a big role in uniting warring communities.

The function was also attended by Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/Marakwet), MPs Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills), Ronald Tunoi (Bomet Central), Dan Kazungu (Malindi) former MPs Mark Too, David Koech and top clerics from different denominations across the country.

Governors Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) among other leaders were also present.

Mandago nearly caused a hitch when he invited the retired President to address the congregation before the Deputy President, but Ruto sprang from his seat and took over the microphone, saying that he was the one to address the crowd before inviting Mzee Moi.

Ruto urged churches to be true to the calling of Christ to serve humanity. “Churches should dedicate themselves in preaching the work of God and get rid of fake pastors who are using churches to engage in activities that are against Christ’s teachings,” said Ruto.

Lasting peace

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen hailed the role played by churches in the war against banditry and cattle rustling in parts of the North Rift.

“We laud efforts by the Catholic church under the leadership of Bishop Korir in the search for lasting peace in this region, the acts are retrogressive and needs to be condemned,” said Murkomen.

Malindi MP Dan Kazungu stirred the congregation when he reminded them of the retired president’s favourite punch line, ‘Siasa mbaya maisha mbaya’ and called on leaders to work together irrespective of their political affiliation for the sake of peace.

“Politics should be issue-based and all leaders should work together to improve citizens livelihood. Opposition should not mean enmity and hatred,” said the ODM MP.

Others leaders who addressed the celebrations hailed Bishop Korir for his peace initiatives that have continued to create stability in the region, thus enabling residents to actively contribute in nation building.