Ndhiwa: Religious leaders in Ndhiwa have condemned the rising cases of political violence and the use of youths to disrupt political activities, warning that the trend threatens peace and development in Homa Bay County and the country at large.
According to Kenya News Agency, the clergy, speaking at a meeting in Ndhiwa Town, urged politicians to shun violence and instead compete through ideas, manifestoes, and policies ahead of future political contests. Pastor Samson Makuk from Ndhiwa JSS Church strongly condemned leaders who promote violence and the use of hired gangs, commonly referred to as goons, describing such actions as contrary to the law and the teachings of God.
Pastor Makuk emphasized that politics should be a competition of ideas and philosophies, not violence. He further challenged leaders at both the national and county levels to work together despite political differences, saying cooperation is necessary for the country’s progress. The pastor expressed concern over attacks on schools and the killing of young people, noting that such incidents deny the country its future and lead to suffering instead of development.
Makuk also urged his fellow pastors and bishops to continue preaching peace, stating it is central to the Christian faith and essential for meaningful development. He highlighted the importance of peace, referencing that Jesus left the church with a message of peace, and without it, no meaningful progress can be achieved.
The cleric called on religious leaders to respect those in authority while remaining truthful in pointing out mistakes when leaders go wrong. He stressed the need to correct leaders with dignity without compromising values, emphasizing that clergy serve the people just as those in the political class do, and mutual respect is essential.
Ndhiwa Jamia Mosque Imam, Yusuf Hassan Bakri, supported the clergy’s sentiments, stating that Islam similarly advocates for peaceful coexistence and that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of violence. Area resident Grace Muga urged leaders to use politics as a tool for development rather than conflict, condemning the burning of schools as evil and calling for prayers to safeguard learners and restore peace in the country.
