Religious leaders advocate peaceful campaigns, polls

Religious leaders during a previous procession. [File, Standard] 

Religious leaders have urged politicians to preach peace and cohesion among Kenyans.

They also want politicians who will lose in the elections to accept the voters' verdict and work with the winners for the greater good of the nation.

In Nyanza, clerics and elders have joined hands in calling for peaceful campaigns and elections as the country prepares for elections.

Their appeal comes just hours before the planned launch of a Peace Caravan by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in collaboration with The Standard Group today.

At the weekend, messages of peace and reconciliation dominated Nyanza and many other parts of the country with the clergy and other leaders urging Kenyans to embrace peace and unity.

They termed peace and unity as the backbone of the country’s success and urged politicians to be at the forefront of preaching peace.

Archbishop Winnie Owiti of the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Kisumu urged hundreds of congregants who attended the service to embrace peace and pray for the country during the electioneering period.

Pastor Frederick Hainga of the Repentance and Holiness church Kisumu said Kenya is a peaceful and God-fearing country and must remain so during and even after the elections.

He said the country has in the past been divided along political and tribal lines, saying that should not be allowed to happen again.

“It is in this context that I encourage the people of Kisumu and Kenya to continue preaching peace and unity during the election period which will come and go," he said.

Rev John Pesa of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church of Africa called on Kenyans to co-exist peacefully.

He warned politicians against misleading voters by using provocative words which can cause violence.

"The youth should also refuse to be used by the politicians and maintain peace.” Bishop Ogonyo Ongede of Power of Jesus said Kenyans ought to guard the peace they are enjoying jealously.

The chairman of Interfaith Community in Migori county Bishop John Okinda and the president of PEFA church said peace was key during this electioneering period.

He said whoever will undermine peace should be arrested and prosecuted.

The West Kenya Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist church president pastor Samuel Misiani said they have set aside seven days for special prayers for the nation.

“We shall pray for peaceful campaigns as campaigns enter the homestretch.”

He urged the youth not to destroy politicians' campaign materials and cars.

Luo Council of Elders Migori chapter chair Abel Ombuor urged the electoral agency not to be partisan and “it should be allowed to perform its duties well.”

In Gusii, politicians who attended church services said they needed peace durin campaigns as well as after the polls.

Among them were West Mugirango parliamentary candidates Charles Ongoto (UDA), Vincent Kemosi (Ford Kenya), MCA candidates for Nyamira Township Ward Ben Momanyi (UDA) and Obed Momanyi (DAPK).

In Western, clerics urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to bury the hatchet and strive to unite the country.

Kakamega County Preachers Association chairman Patrick Shinali urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto to bury the hatchet and work together.

Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Kenya General Superintendent Patrick Lihanda urged politicians to desist from making utterances that are likely to cause friction and division.

Rev Godfrey Siundu of Ecumenical Catholic Church and the National Alliance of Registered Churches of Kenya (ARCK) Bishop Samuel Welimo has also called on politicians to be mindful of their utterances.

In Bungoma, Rev Harman Kasili of the Gospel Lighthouse Church said clerics will not keep quiet and watch as politicians sow the seed of discord among Kenyans due to selfish political interests.

In Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and Marsabit counties churches conducted inter-denominational prayers for peaceful elections.

NCCK General Secretary Canon Chris Kinyanjui said IEBC must ensure the legal requirements governing the poll are followed, to avert nullification of presidential elections as was the case in 2017.

"We were surprised that IEBC received some ballot papers without notice. This does not augur well with the people and could erode the faith of Kenyans in the election process.”

Four Square Gospel Church, Bishop Erastus Njoroge urged presidential candidates to be ready to accept the outcome of the elections.

In Nakuru, church leaders advised Kenyans to choose their leaders wisely.

[Reporting by Daniel Chege, Caleb Kingwara, Olivia Odhiambo, Anne Atieno, Sharon Owino, Stanley Ongwae, Brian Kisanji, Juliet Omelo, Sharon Wanga, Phares Mutembei and Nderitu Gichure and Phares Mutembei]