Bishop Dominic Kimengich at the Catholic Church in Eldoret Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich is cautioning politicians to avoid inciting Kenyans as the next general election approaches.
He said Kenyans should also reject leaders who thrive on incitement and causing divisions for political gains.
The bishop said peace and unity of Kenyans remains paramount and those who plan to incite violence or tribal divisions should not be tolerated.
“Such people who are in positions and go out to incite Kenyans should not even be called leaders. A leader is someone who seeks to unite and preach peace always," Kimengich said.
The bishop, who was speaking at the Catholic Church in Eldoret, said Kenyans should not consider such people to be elected to any positions.
He supported government efforts to restore lasting peace in the Kerio Valley region that has been ravaged by banditry for many years.
Bishop Kimengich is urging communities in the Kerio Valley to surrender all illegal arms and team up with the government in restoring peace.
He said residents should not harbour any criminals or individuals still holding illegal guns that have been used to perpetrate banditry.
“As the government has come out to work on peace in Kerio Valley, we urge all those still holding guns illegally to surrendered them immediately,“ Bishop Kimengich said.
He said there was now clear hope for peace in the region after hundreds of residents handed over illegal guns and former bandits also surrendered.
“We urge that the government shouldn’t have a clear plan to rehabilitate and empower those youth who have opted to abandon banditry activities,” Kimengich said.
He praised the ongoing Rudisha Bunduki Operation in Kerio Valley where 345 guns have so far been surrendered to security teams in the last one month.
The church says the renewed efforts to restore peace and security in the region will help communities to resume normal lives by engaging in development programmes.
Kimengich said they fully support efforts to restore peace that has for many years been ravaged by banditry, leading to loss of many lives.
The enhanced security operation to disarm illegal gun holders in Kerio Valley started early this year after the killing of Father Alloys Bett, who was shot dead by bandits.
“We want the government to do all that is possible in ensuring the people of Kerio Valley enjoy lasting peace and stability,” Kimengich said.
Separately, other church leaders in the region including Paul Kimutai and Jane Keter said already the operation had achieved tangible success after being embraced by local communities.
“We are happy that our community members are voluntarily returning illegal guns, which have been previously been used to perpetrate violence in Kerio Valley,” Bishop Kimutai said.
