Kisumu clerics, transporters pray for peaceful elections

Church leaders and transport operators in Kisumu are praying for a peace before, during and after the August 9 general election.

Led by Nomiya Church archbishop Musa Sule and Assistant Bishop of Revival Ministries Tom Obingo, the clerics and transporters called for peace and tolerance during campaigns.

They urged Kenyans to shun divisive leaders. They also called on politicians to preach peace and unity to foster a harmonious  environment during election campaigns.

Bishop Sule, who spoke during a prayer meeting for the elections convened by Obingo at the Kisumu main bus park, asked politicians to avoid inflammatory statements that fuelling chaos in the country.

He said Kenyans should not allow any more bloodshed and destruction of property. which for years have derailed socio-economic growth among them in every election period.

Sule said it was the democratic right of every politician to move freely and campaign in any part of the country seeking votes.

“As much as it is every citizen’s constitutional right to choose leaders of their choice, they should do so within the law. We must ensure peace prevails,” he said.

Bishop Sule said measures should be put in place to ensure a peaceful, cohesive and prosperous country before, during and after the August elections.

He condemned the stone-throwing attacks on Raila's choppers and convoy. They called for proper investigations.

Market Milimani MCA Seth Ochieng, his political competitor Bernard Ajwang  nd others attended the prayers on Sunday.

The clerics prayed for Azimio la Umoja presidential aspirant Raila Odinga even as they condemned the attacks on his chopper on Friday in Soy, Uasin Gishu county.

They also prayed for President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, MCA Ochieng and other presidential aspirants.

Obingo said with the massive support from Kenyans including President Kenyatta, the best they can do is to pray for Raila in his presidential bid.

“We are appealing to Kenyans, especially our politicians, to maintain peace throughout this electioneering period,” Obingo said.

He said youths in Kisumu should not allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause chaos before, during and after the general election.

Obingo, who is the Mololine Prestige Company director, said youth should instead engage in more productive income generation activities and be self-reliant.

Many youths have  been maimed or killed during elections, he said.

Obingo said the bus park is always the hot bed for violence each election cycle, which should be a thing of the past.

He championed peace and unity, saying no meaningful development can be realised in a hostile environment.  

Obingo urged leaders to embrace peace and compete on issue-based politics targeted at transforming the lives of the electorates instead of hatred and division politics.

He said President Uhuru and Raila have always preached peace, love and unity among Kenyans which every leader should emulate.