The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Bishop John Okinda, said that the country was being subjected to unnecessary tension from the weekly demonstrations by the opposition.
Okinda said that though the demonstration was a civil right, the recent picketing in parts of the country resulted in deaths and the destruction of property.
He noted that it was advisable for both parties to sit down to ensure peace, prosperity, and love among the people.
Okinda explained that the church was ready to mediate between the two political divides to diffuse the political tension that is being experienced in the country.
However, he asked political leaders to desist from defamatory remarks and tone down their political rhetoric to ensure a lasting solution was achieved.
” The church is always non-partisan, and therefore it is paramount that both parties listen to the voice of reason and the people”, said Okinda.
Chairperson of The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK)—Migori Chapter Relevant Charles Otigo emphasised that there was a need for political tolerance in the country to steer the country’s economic growth and peace.
He noted that youths are the country’s biggest shareholders and stand to lose more if the nation is destroyed both economically and politically.
Otigo said that the recent demonstrations have turned from peaceful to violent, going against the spirit of the 2010 constitution, which advocates for the peaceful right to picketing.
The clergy also called upon the ruling class to foster dialogue to enhance peace and national cohesion in order to achieve a perspective of good governance across the political divide.
“We, the citizens, have elected the political class to hold those positions, entrusted them with our lives, and given them the mandate to represent our ideas; therefore, they should be willing to listen and represent the people as per their wishes,” stated Otigo.
He added that the country’s political leadership should be willing to engage the opposition and address some of their grievances, including the high cost of living.
