Clerics, civil society protest against rising political tension

From left; Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President Wiliam Ruto, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in Magunga, Suba South constituency on August 29,2024. [File, Standard]

Religious and civil society organizations in Malindi, Kilifi county, staged a peace walk in the wake of rising political tension, insecurity, corruption and gender-based violence in the country.

The group on Sunday sang songs of peace as they marched from the Malindi International airport to the St Anthony’s Catholic Cathedral where their leaders read a joint press statement.

They called upon President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to end their differences and work together to foster peace, unity and security in the nation.

The groups, which were marking the World Peace Day, urged parliamentarians, planning to table an impeachment motion against Deputy President Tuesday, to help the two top leaders to work together instead of widening the wedge between them.

The called for intervention into challenges facing Coast including insecurity fueled by acts of extremism and organised crime, land conflicts, corruption, gender-based violence, defilement and the killings of the elderly on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

They called upon the government, religious and civil society organisations as well as the public to take action against any threats to peace and peaceful co-existence in order enable the country to thrive on all fronts.

They challenged citizens to reject bribery, nepotism and corruption saying that it is their collective duty to promote good governance.

The group raised concern over youth unemployment and drug abuse, saying this had made them vulnerable to crime and radicalisation.

Those who participated in the walk included members of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi’s Catholic Justice and Peace Department, Muslim faithful, nongovernmental organizations led by Haki Yetu organization, and members of the Malindi District Cultural Association.