Religious leaders in Kakamega county have called for peace and tolerance during campaigns.
The leaders, under the National Council of Churches of Kenya, met to discuss the state of the country’s social, economic and political well-being ahead of the general election.
Kakamega county NCCK coordinating committee chairman Rev Benson Shisia said they want to help aspirants understand the challenges affecting residents and the nation as a whole.
“We wish to help identify and propose strategies for ensuring a peaceful, cohesive and prosperous country before, during and after the August elections,” he said.
Shisia said as much as it is every citizen’s constitutional right to choose leaders of their choice, they should do so within the law.
“We urge all Kenyans, particularly our politicians, to maintain peace throughout this campaign period and even after the elections,” he said.
Shisia urged asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to put in place mechanisms that would guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
“The commission needs to inform the public of the system to be used during the elections to avoid suspicion and misinformation,” he said.
The cleric said the IEBC and law enforcement agencies should also establish mechanisms for reporting electoral malpractice, intimidation and violence.
“We also urge members of the public to be vigilant and report all cases of threats, intimidation and harassment during the campaigns to the relevant authorities,” he said.
Edited by A.N
