Shun politics that cause mayhem, clergy urge youth

The Embu clergy has urged youths to reject leaders who try to incite them into unlawful acts that will disrupt peace in the county.

Embu Catholic Diocese bishop Paul Kariuki said the bishops will write a letter to the relevant bodies once the politicians are identified, to bar them from seeking an elective position.

The bishop spoke on Tuesday during the interdenominational political peace prayers at Anglican Church of Kenya, St Paul's Cathedral in Embu.

Redeemed Gospel Church bishop Samuel Nginyi said politicians should be responsible for peace in the county.

"Our leaders should shun inciting remarks for a peaceful political process within Embu," he said.

Politicians present joined the clergy in calling for peaceful campaigns and promised to unite the people of Embu, once elected.

Embu gubernatorial aspirant and Devolution Empowerment Party chairman Lenny Kivuti said he's determined to unite the county during his regime, through preaching love among residents.

"I preach one thing, which is love. Let's unite and become development partners," he said.

His counterpart Cecily Mbarire promised to work closely with other leaders for the county to thrive.

"I will work closely with the leaders you'll elect to raise the standards of our county. We want a united Embu," she said. 

Embu county commissioner Eddyson Nyale applauded the clergy for organising the prayers and prioritising peace.

He also urged the politicians to maintain peace during election and accept the August 9 outcomes.

The prayers set to take place in four subcounties will host the political class and residents.

Leaders present during prayers were gubernatorial aspirants Kivuti and Mbarire, senatorial aspirants Frida Karani, DP party's Alexander Mundigi and Senator Njeru Ndwiga.

Others were Woman Representatives Pamela Njoki, Rose Mitaru, and Catherine Njiru.

MP aspirants were Gitonga Mukunji, Morris Nyaga (Manyatta) and Erick Muchangi (Runyenjes).

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)