As the August 9 polls approach, religious leaders in Burnt Forest, Uasin Gishu County, are sounding the alarm on the dangers of lethal politics. The area was severely affected by the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
Rev. Basil Odongo, a Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) cleric, lamented that politicians have not learned from the past and are once again spewing hate, resulting in rising political temperatures and intolerance.
“It is unfortunate that politicians have started behaving the way they behaved in 2007/2008, resulting in clashes that greatly affected our area,” Rev. Odongo said.
He urged politicians to engage in mature and issue-based politics, shun divisive rhetoric, and respect the rule of law. Rev. Odongo also challenged voters not to be misused by politicians to instill fear in their opponents.
Beatrice Karanja, a PCEA leader from Burnt Forest, appealed to young people to take the lead in championing peace and security, urging them to shun politicians who incite them to engage in violence.
Ms. Karanja also called upon Kenyans to create a conducive environment for women in politics, so they can campaign without fear.
Abubakar Bini, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) North Rift region chairperson, echoed the sentiments, challenging candidates for elective positions to accept the outcome of the polls and seek legal redress if aggrieved.
