Nairobi: Spiritual leaders in Migori County have appealed to Kenyan politicians to prioritize peace, development, and security over their political ambitions. The religious leaders expressed concern over inciteful statements being made by certain politicians in churches and political rallies, which they fear could lead to political violence, a recurrence of past incidents in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Daniel Kihengu, chairman of the National Council of the Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in the Kuria region, criticized politicians for their misguided priorities, which have unnecessarily heightened political tensions as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Elections. He lamented the current political climate in a statement released in Kehancha town, cautioning that politicians are steering the country in a dangerous direction.
Bishop Kihengu highlighted the detrimental impact of the ongoing disputes between government-affiliated parties, UDA and ODM, and the opposition led by DCP on Kenya’s development. He urged politicians to moderate their rhetoric for the nation’s sake, emphasizing that premature electioneering diverts attention from pressing economic challenges, such as food shortages and inadequate healthcare.
Rev. Thomas Chacha of the Holy Ghost Church, speaking in Kegonga town, criticized politicians who involve numerous youths in political events and church gatherings, accusing them of fostering a culture of violence. He urged politicians to focus on empowering young people economically rather than exploiting them for political gain.
Rev. Chacha called on fellow religious leaders to maintain neutrality and avoid showing political bias in their duties. He condemned religious figures who allow themselves to be manipulated for political purposes, emphasizing the need for unity among Kenyans rather than division along tribal and political lines.
The spiritual leaders advocated for the government to take a more proactive role in addressing poverty and implementing the new constitution and Vision 2030. They stressed the importance of these frameworks in overcoming economic challenges and eradicating human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and financial misconduct.
