Archbishop Anthony Muheria: Don't burn Kenya because of elections

Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria. [Edwin Mbugua, Standard]

Religious leaders have called for calm and patience as the country awaits Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to announce the presidential election results.

The vote tallying and verification exercise is ongoing at the Bomas of Kenya, and the IEBC has until Tuesday, August 16, to announce the presidential election winner.

While addressing a press conference in Nyeri on Sunday, August 14 morning, Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria cautioned the country against chaos and violence.

He says the country is at a critical stage and must demonstrate its resilience to the world by conducting a peaceful election process.

"We understand the tremendous stress the IEBC, the candidates, their agents and we also citizens are going through due to the tiredness, the long waits, unwelcome remarks sometimes that we have experienced. However, we are calling for patience and civility," Muheria said.

He singled out presidential candidates, in particular saying, a responsibility is bestowed on them to maintain peace and order even if the election results go against them.

"The frontrunners in this presidential election must show great restraint and civility, patience, and especially statesmanship. They have shown their worth, but now we want to see their worth as they await and receive the results," he added.

He stated that only the IEBC would announce the results, adding that any contestations or grievances should be addressed legally.

"We must show great strength in managing disappointments, but for all Kenyans, we have this message of patience and understanding as we wait for the presidential results," he added.

The commission has been moving slowly amid censorship or meddling concerns.

Two days to the August 16 deadline, Kenyans are still uncertain about the presidential election outcome.

However, regardless of the outcome of the election, presidential candidates William Ruto (United Democratic Alliance), Raila Odinga (Azimio la Umoja One-Kenya), George Wajackoh (Roots Party), and David Mwaure (Agano Party) have vowed to keep the peace.