The Kenya Spiritual Leaders from Church Umbrella Bodies have raised concerns about the ongoing Azimio demonstrations countrywide.
In a statement on Wednesday, the leaders said that although Kenyans have a right to picket and demonstrate, it is not a solution to governance challenges.
"We as spiritual leaders in the nation, are extremely concerned about the trajectory that the demonstrations have taken, in particular, the burning and looting of personal property, the burning of a Church and Mosque in Kibra, the business losses, the disruption of learning when are just about to regularise the calendar and the loss of lives," the statement read.
"It appears that goons have started to take advantage of the situation for example the invasion of Northlands Farm and East Africa Spectre Limited, among others."
The religious leaders urged political leaders to use and exhaust other available avenues and institutions for addressing governance challenges instead of demonstrations.
According to the statement, political leaders are to create an enabling environment to amicably resolve political differences, pave way for dialogue and find a peaceful solution.
"The critical question we should ask ourselves as a nation is whether demonstrations will solve our challenges! We still have an opportunity to resolve political differences and governance, social-economic challenges with the help of other leaders in the nation," they said.
The leaders urged security enforcement agencies to continue showing restraint, not to use excessive force, and ensure the protection of life and property.
They called on Kenyans, especially the youth to shun violence as we all jointly explore dialogue to avoid dividing the nation.
