Do not underrate hate leaflets and threats to poll peace and security, Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich and other religious leaders have said.
They warned the government and political leaders not to dismiss threats.
Kimengich said the world was watching Kenya closely, expecting poll violence.
“Let us prove them wrong by keeping our county peaceful and united throughout the elections period,” the clergymen said.
Bishop Kimengich said the circulation of hate leaflets, increasing misuse of social media and incendiary speech by by politicians were grave matters.
Kimengich and other clergy in the region said as religious leaders, they had met with all relevant authorities and observers to discuss election preparedness.
“We noted with concern the hateful utterances by some of our leaders and increasing misuse of social media as some of the main threats to peace and stability during next week’s elections,”Kimengich said.
He said the situation was worrying because the reckless utterances and other threats were on the increase, just a few days to the polls.
"It's a worrying trend because all these can quickly incite and frighten our people," the bishop said.
He urged the young generation which uses social media widely not to be misled into spreading hate that would disrupt peace and security.
The clergyman said security teams in the region should act tough on those involved in spreading hate leaflets, threatening some communities to vote in a particular manner.
“We urge the concerned agencies not to take lightly some of these threats because they are real and can cause problems," the bishop said.
He said the electoral agency, security agencies and others must work diligently to ensure the elections are free and fair, so Kenyans can get on with their lives after the results are announced.
“We also urge our leaders to be ready to accept the outcome and keep our country peaceful and united. Elections are just on one day and after that we have to move on as a country," Kimengich said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by chairman of the Imams and Muslim Preachers in Rift Valley Abubakar Bini who urged residents to vote freely for candidates of their choice and then maintain peace.
“Our common interest should be how to tackle the serious economic challenges as a country and not focus on hate against each other," Bini said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
