Bishops and Muslim clergy in Rift Valley have urged political leaders to accept results of the election and help keep the country peaceful and united.
The Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich and his counterpart for the African Church of Kenya Thomas Rutto urged Kenyans to remain peaceful following the announcement of the presidential election results.
A similar view was echoed by the Muslim Imams and Preachers chairman Abubakar Bini, who urged those aggrieved by the results to go to court and avoid any incidents of incitement.
“We urge that anyone aggrieved by the results of the elections at all levels should use the courts to challenge the outcomes as we all work to keep our country peaceful,” Bini said.
Kimengich said Kenyans had largely remained peaceful through the election and leaders should sort out any challenges through legal means as they keep the country peaceful.
Rutto said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had done its work and those not satisfied had the right to complain as provided for in the constitution.
“The courts as we have been informed are ready to address any challenges related to the elections, but as religious leaders we will pray for our county to remain peaceful as we near the end of the election period,” the bishop said.
The clergymen have planned joint meetings to pray for the country so that peace prevails.
Bishop George Gichana of the Deliverance Church and pastors from the church also called for peace and unity in the country, urging those aggrieved with the results to accept the outcome and then move to court if they wish to seek redress.
Gichana urged the elected leaders and losers to close ranks and pull together because they need each other for a prosperous country.
“The election was just an opportunity for us to chose new leaders but we remain sons and daughters of the same country and hence we should embrace each other so that we move the country forward,” the bishop said.
He said all elected leaders must be ready to serve the country with dedication and work to unite all Kenyans.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
