The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has called for political tolerance and condemned continued shedding of blood ahead of the 2027 general election.
Archbishop Sapit expressed concerns that the country was headed in the wrong direction due to widespread violence during political gatherings.
He said it was regrettable that innocent lives had been lost during political campaigns.
The latest incident, the cleric regretted, occurred in Embu County, where two people died while six vehicles were torched on Saturday. The incident followed another one in Homa Bay County, where two more people had died and six vehicles also torched during the Linda Mwananchi movement rally last month.
Speaking in Homa Bay Town during a thanksgiving ceremony for ACK Southern Nyanza Diocese, Sapit accused some political leaders of incitement and fuelling violence.
“We must hold to account all politicians who engage in goon leading to loss of lives,” the cleric said, adding that political seats should never be do-or-die pursuits leading to bloodshed.
“I want to tell our leaders to stop looking for political posts with blood. No Kenyan should be killed because of politics,” Archbishop Sapit, who was accompanied by the ACK Southern Nyanza Bishop Simon Onyango, said.
He told candidates vying for elective posts to be patriotic and put the country first. “I urge politicians to remember that Kenya will still exist after the general elections. Let us handle campaigns in a manner that does not destroy the country,” he appealed.
He called for civility in handling issues, adding that all Kenyans should respect the rule of law and uphold justice.
Sapit particularly urged the youth to shun money given to them by politicians to perpetrate mayhem in political rallies, warning, “Blood money will bring you curses; crooked politicians will use and dump you after achieving their goals.”
He told the youth to engage in economic activities instead of being hired to cause violence.
The bishop at the same time urged the judiciary to be independent and make judgments in line with the constitution.
He said making judgments in line with the Constitution and the will of God will save this country from chaos.
The bishop told leaders to shun corruption and improve service delivery to the people and likewise challenged religious leaders to avoid being partisan.
“My message to religious leaders is that they should guide their flock in godly ways,” he added.
By Davis Langat
