Nakuru: Leaders across the political divide have been urged to embrace national unity and dialogue in response to the heightened political activities being experienced across the country. At the same time, Kenyans have been urged to uphold constitutional values, shun violence, and champion national cohesion.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bishop Harrison Mwangi of Gospel Revival Church, speaking in Nakuru, decried the loss of lives, destruction of property during protests, and attempts by a clique of political leaders to divide Kenyans along tribal and partisan lines. Bishop Mwangi expressed regret over the recent demonstrations that have resulted in significant negative consequences, including loss of life, injuries, property damage, and trauma.
He emphasised the Church's role in fostering reconciliation and called for open engagement between citizens and leaders. 'Both the government and those with divergent views should embrace dialogue. Senseless loss of lives and destruction of property during political rallies and demonstrations are unacceptable. Let us all preach peace and reconciliation, as we are one family called Kenya, regardless of our political and ethnic inclinations,' stated Bishop Mwangi.
While calling on leaders to put politics on the backburner, the Clergyman noted that charged political rallies were scaring away investors, disrupting education and ruining businesses across the country. He added that it was both insensitive to Kenyans and premature to conduct campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election. Bishop Mwangi said that leaders should focus on supporting service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and housing, warning that political intolerance and public discontent risk plunging the country into chaos.
In her remarks, Ms. Mary Chege, a social worker and youth mentor, observed that the youth are Kenya's future and should not be involved in acts of violence and lawlessness. Advising the youth to be wary of elements keen to use them to cause mayhem and violence, Ms Chege affirmed that the only way to resolve the issues facing Kenya is through consultations and dialogue, not violent demonstrations.
Ms Chege pointed out that despite the country facing some challenges, citizens need to remember that Kenya possesses the potential to develop local solutions to address its problems. She condemned the violence and destruction of property witnessed during recent protests, attributing some of it to criminal elements out to destabilise communities.
Lay Leader Susan Njenga condemned a section of politicians for spreading hate speech and negativity that divide the country. Ms Njenga criticised politics that fuel division and block development, calling upon political leaders to show humility and respect for institutions. She noted concerns that political discourse is shifting to personal attacks and inflammatory language instead of policy debates.
Ms Njenga also called upon the government to expedite investigations into the loss of lives and destruction of property during the recent protests. 'We call upon the government to expeditiously investigate all the cases of loss of life and bring to book all those responsible for these heinous crimes. The church condoles with the families of Kenyans who have lost their lives during the demonstrations,' she said.