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.
The clergy were speaking in Nakuru during the 58th edition of 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 counselling the youth against being used to perpetuate acts of violence and crimes in the run up to the polls.
Nassir on his part 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 the organized criminal gangs and avoid engaging in abuse of toxic alcohol and drugs.
He said there was need to promote greater tolerance and understanding among all Kenyans adding that divisions along political, cultural, religious and ethnic fault lines was a hindrance to efforts towards developing a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
Hundreds of people from different religions trooped to the mosque during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Festival to learn more about Islamic teachings.
Mr Nassir urged Muslims and all other Kenyans to always remember to foster peace and unity, adding that tolerance is the bedrock of harmonious coexistence.
“We are proud of our diversity as a nation of many ethnic groups, colours and religions,” he said.
Mr Nassir affirmed that Islamic religion never advocates injustice against any one group of Kenyans. He said the community was working closely with the government in fighting crime and extremism.
“When we see violence, this violence is not occasioned by Muslims or Christians but by criminals. It is these criminals that we fight because they are enemies of Muslims and Christians and all other religious groups,” he stated.
Mr Nassir said Muslims have always stood for peaceful co-existence, fairness and justice for all. He added that Ahmadiyya Mosque has always rallied Kenyan youth against extremism.
Father Karathe urged all political and religious leaders in the country to preach reconciliation during the festive season.
“Let us use this Christmas and New Year festivities to restore oneness and integrity of Kenya. Let’s restore the good relationship we had broken in the past,” stated the clergyman.
Father Karathe called on Kenyan leaders to follow the path of Jesus Christ by doing what is good for the country.
He said the leaders should put the country first and shun messages of division that were likely to cause tension.
“Politicians should set aside anything that can destabilize the country,” the cleric said.
He urged all Kenyans to remain strong amid suffering, adding that Jesus Christ should inspire them to withstand all challenges.
Father Karathe noted that at a time when so many people and the planet are suffering, the world’s religions need to come together to promote truth, compassion, reconciliation, justice and peace.
“Today we are called upon to rekindle that hope in our world, devastated by war and our degraded natural environment. Let us collaborate, because if we are united, everything is possible. Let us ensure that nothing divides us,” he said.
Father Karathe cautioned the youth against social vices like drug and substance abuse and criminal activities warning that the choices they make today would shape their future.
He warned youths against getting involved in illicit drugs as they were dangerous and harmful to human survival.
Deputy County Commissioner Mr Kwanya reiterated that security agencies in Nakuru have intensified their crackdown against dangerous gangs that have been terrorizing residents especially in the slums.
“We will not tolerate a resurgence of any criminal gang. Those involved will face the full force of law. I urge residents to be candid and to report members of the criminal gangs to help police arrest more culprits.
Security agents are ready to nip in the bud any re-emerging criminal gangs and the operation will continue until we wipe out the gangs,” said the administrator.
He stated that though a heavy presence of security officers has been deployed throughout the county during this year’s festive season as the country prepares to mark Christmas and New Year, Kenyans should be vigilant and be on the lookout for “suspicious persons and activities” and report them to the police.
He assured residents that security personnel will be on standby round the clock during the festivities to receive information from the public.
The Deputy County Commissioner further warned against criminals who may take advantage of the festivities to commit various crimes including muggings and burglaries.
Mr Kwanya said members of the public can play a role in combating criminal activities by reporting all cases to allow commanders to do mapping of hot spots and deploy reinforcements.
by Jane Ngugi & Dennis Rasto
