- The clerics also call for the unity of Mt Kenya, saying the region must be properly represented in the next government.
- They said this will ensure the region’s interests are advanced and prioritised.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Clerics of the Akorino sect have warned politicians against stoking political tension in the country ahead of the August 9 general election.
They want politicians to desist from engaging in confrontational politics to tame acrimony that could cause turmoil and throw the country into chaos.
The more than 500 Akorino clerics drawn from five Central Kenya counties: Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua spoke at the sidelines of their prayer meeting in Thika on Wednesday.
Led by Bishop Johanna Ndirangu, the clerics appealed to politicians, especially those in the Kenya Kwanza alliance to respect President Uhuru Kenyatta and let him finish his term.
Kenyan Kwanza is led by Deputy President William Ruto and his co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang'ula.
Bishop Ndirangu said the insults aimed at President Uhuru Kenyatta will divide Kenyans along political and ethnic lines.
“It is disheartening to see leaders who are being looked upon by the younger generation for mentorship and guidance to utter such unsavoury words directed at the President and other leaders," Ndirangu said.
"They should know that peace is imperative in our country as we enter the campaigning and electioneering period.”
The clerics also called for the unity of Mt Kenya, saying the region must be properly represented in the next government.
They said this will ensure the region’s interests are advanced and prioritised.
Bishop Mathew Mwaura said Mt Kenya leaders should shelve their political ambitions first for the sake of the region's unity and prosperity.
He singled out National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Martha Karua, Moses Kuria, William Kabogo and Mwangi Wairia, among others.
Mwaura said the veteran and experienced politicians should support promising young leaders from the region pointing out former Cooperative Development minister Joe Nyaga’s son Jeremiah Mwaniki.
“As a church we have closely monitored the region’s politics, including politicians with the traits to propel the region forward and Mwaniki is one of them,” he said.
While echoing Mwaura’s sentiments, Bishop Jeremia Muchene asked President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Mt Kenya region kingpin to ensure that the region’s youthful and promising leaders are well groomed.
Mwaniki is rumoured to be running for a top seat in the country which he is yet to officially announce.
(edited by Amol Awuor)