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.
Speaking at a meeting in Ndhiwa Town, the clergy urged politicians to shun violence and instead compete through ideas and 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.
“As clergy, we are saying no to any leader who is promoting goonism. Politics should be a competition of ideas and philosophies, not violence,” he said.
Pastor Makuk 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 further expressed concern over attacks on schools and the killing of young people, saying such incidents deny the country its future and invite suffering instead of development.
“We don’t want bloodshed. We pray that our schools remain safe and that peace prevails in Homa Bay County and across Kenya,” he said.
Makuk urged fellow pastors and bishops to continue preaching peace, saying it is central to the Christian faith and essential for meaningful development.
“Jesus left the church with a message of peace. Without peace, no meaningful development can be achieved,” he emphasized.
The cleric further called on fellow religious leaders to respect those in authority while remaining truthful in pointing out mistakes when leaders go wrong.
“We should correct leaders with dignity without compromising our values. As clergy, we serve the people just as those in the political class do, and mutual respect is essential,” he said.
Ndhiwa Jamia Mosque Imam, Yusuf Hassan Bakri, echoed the clergy’s sentiments, saying Islam equally advocates for peaceful coexistence and that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of violence.
Area resident Grace Muga, on the other hand, urged leaders to use politics as a tool for development rather than conflict.
She condemned the burning of schools, describing the incidents as evil, and called for prayers to safeguard learners and restore peace in the country.
By Shanel Kwamboka and Sitna Omar
