Interfaith leaders in Homa Bay County have called for urgent dialogue among political, religious and community leaders to ease escalating political tensions and prevent further violence.
The leaders, under the Interfaith Kenya Homa Bay County Chapter, said sustained engagement was necessary to restore peace, protect livelihoods and safeguard the county’s development gains.
In a joint statement, the clergy, led by their chairperson, Bishop Dr Abrahams Wanda Odongo, proposed an inclusive forum bringing together elected and aspiring politicians, religious leaders, elders, professionals, government administrators and representatives of both formal and informal sectors.
“The proposed forum would seek to develop a shared vision for the Homa Bay County that we want while addressing political tensions and finding ways to promote development,” Odongo said.
The religious leaders said they would provide neutral ground and serve as conveners and arbitrators during the dialogue.
They said the initiative was particularly urgent following recent political violence citing the Sunday’s Linda Mwananchi Rally, which resulted in deaths, injuries, property destruction and disruption of businesses.
The clergy stressed that their intervention was not intended to support any political party, ideology or individual, but to promote peaceful engagement and protect the interests of Homa Bay residents.
“We condemn absolutely the deep sense of political provocation, matched with political intolerance that has been witnessed recently,” the leaders said.
Odongo warned that continued political confrontation could damage the county’s image, discourage investment and disrupt livelihoods.
He urged political leaders to resolve differences through dialogue and focus on their constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight.
The leaders also raised concern over the recruitment of unemployed and vulnerable young people into violent political activities, urging politicians to create opportunities and jobs for young people rather than exploit their economic challenges.
“Our young people should be empowered with opportunities and employment, not recruited as political goons,” he said.
The members of the interfaith further called for investigations into incidents of violence and attacks targeting religious leaders and institutions.
They cited the alleged stoning and damaging of a vehicle belonging to the reverend of the Roman Catholic Church, Asumbi Parish, an attack on the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field offices at Lala, the burning of religious instructional books and theft of phones and personal effects of evangelists.
They urged security agencies to investigate the incidents, arrest and ensure culprits face justice.
The leaders also appealed to the National Police Service to protect citizens and property, while calling on courts to handle cases arising from the unrest expeditiously and fairly.
They further urged the government to support families affected by the violence, including those who lost relatives, sustained injuries or suffered property and livelihood losses.
The clergy maintained that broad and inclusive dialogue remained the best path to rebuilding trust, resolving political differences and establishing a shared foundation for peace and development in Homa Bay.
By Sitna Omar
