Clergy mount pressure on Ruto, Raila for dialogue

The two, he said, ought to sit down and establish a common ground

In Summary
  • The Kenya conference of catholic bishops (KCCB) said while leaders from the ruling administration should avoid chest thumping, those in the opposing camp must agree to talks.
Maurice Muhatia (Kisumu) Archbishops Martin Kivuva (Mombasa), Anthony Muheria (Nyeri), Dominic Kimengich flanked by others during a press invite by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) at Russel House in Karen on March 22, 2023/ CHARLENE MALWA
Maurice Muhatia (Kisumu) Archbishops Martin Kivuva (Mombasa), Anthony Muheria (Nyeri), Dominic Kimengich flanked by others during a press invite by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) at Russel House in Karen on March 22, 2023/ CHARLENE MALWA

Religious leaders on Wednesday continued to mount pressure on President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to dialogue for peace in the country.

The Kenya conference of catholic bishops (KCCB) said while leaders from the ruling administration should avoid chest-thumping, those in the opposing camp must agree to talks.

Addressing the press in Nairobi, the bishops led by their chairperson Martin Kivuva said the blame games by two factions of leaders cannot help solve the myriad of problems facing Kenyans but only serve to worsen it.

"There cannot be a good reason to resort to the standoff and defiance of our leaders to the detriment of Kenyans," Kivuva said.

The two, he said, ought to sit down and establish a common ground on the ills facing the country.

They acknowledged that Kenyans were grappling with the high cost of living that needs urgent intervention.

The clergy pointed out that they are willing to help in mediating to ensure a common ground is reached.

Archbishop Anthony Muheria said the nation is in a "difficult situation" at the moment and concerted efforts are needed to fix it.

He cited banditry which has claimed more lives in parts of the North Rift, corruption and impunity as among the challenges.

The group, at the same, dismissed the call by the Azimio to have President Ruto quit terming this a dangerous acclamation.

"It goes against the fact that Kenya is a country governed by the Constitution. We went to vote and the results were contested and the Supreme Court made its determination...we must therefore respect the rule of law," said Kivuva.

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