ODM leader Raila Odinga’s wife Ida has called on religion leaders to be bi-partisan in the forthcoming 2022 general elections.
Ida said churches, mosques and Hindu shrines should not take active sides in politics especially those seeking audiences during services, but be in the forefront in bring unity in the country.
“While politicians have started to stock up election heat, we need active voices which can call for tolerance and churches and religious bodies should be the level head to reduce the heat,” Ida said.
Ida said it is normal for politicians to go to churches for religious nourishment, but churches should not allow them to turn place of worship into rallies.
“We want politicians who seek to push through their agenda and meet electorates to create their own rallies and social functions instead of turning church to help create political tolerance,” she said.
Ida was speaking in Ragana village, Migori county on Friday when she was the guest of honor during a thanksgiving ceremony for PEFA national president bishop John Okinda who was recently elected as Vice Chairperson of National Council of Churches Kenya.
“Politics is seasonable and as Kenyans we will still remain as neighbours after elections, we need to create political tolerance,” she said.
Ida challenged NCCK to help ensure churches and other religious bodies are regulated by laws to avoid mushrooming churches “where a man, wife and children start churches and and give each other titles like bishops."
“For any job you need to be trained and through NCCK we need to ensure ordained preachers take charge of religious institutions as churches even promote family as institution and integrity of marriage,” she said.
Okinda said he was humbled for his elections recently and will use the position “to help offer counsel to mighty and low in society.”
Their sentiments was shared by Migori senator Ochillo Ayacko and Suna West MP Peter Masara who said churches will play a pivotal role in creating political tolerance in the country.
Other leaders who were present at the function were Migori Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo, Nyamita Deputy Governor James Gesami, nominated MP Dennitah Ghati and Migori county secretary Christopher Rusana among others.
Edited by S. Maombo
