Anglican bishops have pledged to mediate in the ongoing tussle between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio factions.
The bishops on Wednesday said they are ready to join other stakeholders including multi-faith bodies and business associations in the mediation.
This, they said, will ensure an all-inclusive national dialogue on the issues that may not have been resolved by the Otiende Amollo George Murugara-led bipartisan committee.
“We shall invite the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders to attend the talks after consultations with all the key stakeholders,” Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said.
“As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our country remains peaceful and stable,” he added.
They noted that the decision by Azimio to hold protests and picket in an effort to compel the government to address the aforementioned issues has caused business losses, especially in the Central Business District.
Ole Sapit warned that the sharp division between the two political divides is not good for Kenya, adding that it is not only affecting the economy but also threatening social conflict and the breakdown of law and order.
“Political divisions run deep and are dangerously polarizing the nation. There is a sense of animosity already in the air, and that if not checked can lead to social unrest. This needs to stop,” Ole Sapit said.
The bishops called on hardliners to stop the stand-off and engage in healthy political processes to resolve all issues of difference.
They further raised concern that the bipartisan Parliamentary talks seem to have started on a shaky foundation and called on the parties to overcome suspicion and unwillingness to engage.
“For the greater good and in the interest of a cohesive nation, we urge that all pertinent issues of concern be placed on the table and discussed,” they said.
