Christian leaders call for unity during election period

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PHOTO: DIANA WANYONYI.

Mombasa, KENYA: As Christians in the country join other faithful in the world in celebrating the week of prayer for Christian unity, church leaders from various denominations have urged citizens to pray for the country as the general elections apprach.

Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa on Monday, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, bishop Martin Kivuva said that due to the growing tensions among several communities and political divide, there is need for joint prayer week for Christian unity so as to encourage political tolerant and harmony.

“We join with all believers in the world to ask and call upon the people of Mombasa county and the whole nation to be united in one accord, adhere to, and promote peace, harmony and cohesion. They should also encourage political tolerance, dialogue and unity among the churches and among people of all faiths”. He said.

The leaders also challenged the politicians to unite Kenyans rather than dividing them, urging youths to shun from some politicians who want to use them for their selfish interest during this campaign period.

“We are day to day observing the growing tensions among several communities and political divide. We make plea to our political class to carry out their campaigns and voter registration drive while uploading peace and harmony among communities. We urge youths not to allow themselves be used in criminal gangs. We also urge the politicians to conduct constructive campaigns and not to be offensive in their speeches and actions during the campaign and election period”. Said bishop Kivuva.

As the country embarks on a one month mass voters registration proccesss that commences on Monday through Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC), Christian leaders have also urged IEBC to run free and fair elections exercise so as to foster trust and goodwill among all Kenyans.

Week of prayer for Christian unity is expected to end this Saturday on 21st during the common prayer day at the Tononoka grounds in Mombasa.

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