Nakuru: Religious leaders want Kenyans to embrace tolerance and peaceful co-existence among diverse segments of the society for the common good of the country. The leaders from both the Christian and Muslim faiths called for an end to acts of extremism and political thuggery, urging Kenyans to nurture a culture of tolerance for the sake of national unity and posterity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the clergy were speaking in Nakuru during the 58th edition of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Festival in the wake of worrying political trends in the country as different camps gear up for the 2027 campaigns proper. Speakers at Ahmadiyya Mosque in Nakuru, where the event was held, called for full adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law but urged authorities to take stern action against those who engage in acts of lawlessness.
Leaders including Maulana Nassir of Ahmadiyya Mosque, Father Clement Karathe of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, and Nakuru West Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya graced the occasion, counseling the youth against being used to perpetuate acts of violence and crimes in the run-up to the polls. Nassir advised Kenyans to exercise extra vigilance during this festive season to guard against falling prey to felons leveraging heightened activities to commit crimes.
He encouraged Kenyans, irrespective of their religious background, to unite in championing interfaith dialogue on establishing a common ground for peaceful coexistence and principled dialogue on matters of mutual concern. The cleric urged the youth across the country to be cautious against attempts to be recruited into organized criminal gangs and avoid engaging in abuse of toxic alcohol and drugs.
Nassir emphasized the need to promote greater tolerance and understanding among all Kenyans, adding that divisions along political, cultural, religious, and ethnic fault lines hinder efforts towards developing a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation. Hundreds of people from different religions gathered at the mosque during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Festival to learn more about Islamic teachings.
Father Karathe urged all political and religious leaders in the country to preach reconciliation during the festive season. He called on Kenyan leaders to follow the path of Jesus Christ by doing what is good for the country and to set aside anything that can destabilize the nation.
Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Kwanya reiterated that security agencies in Nakuru have intensified their crackdown against dangerous gangs terrorizing residents, especially in the slums. He assured residents that security personnel will be on standby round the clock during the festivities to receive information from the public and warned against criminals who may take advantage of the festivities to commit crimes.
