Leaders across the political divide have been urged to embrace national unity and dialogue in response to the heightened political activities being experienced across the country.
At the same time, Kenyans have been urged to uphold constitutional values, shun violence, and champion national cohesion.
Speaking in Nakuru, Bishop Harrison Mwangi of Gospel Revival Church decried the loss of lives, destruction of property during protests, and attempts by a clique of political leaders to divide Kenyans along tribal and partisan lines.
Bishop Mwangi expressed regret that the recent demonstrations that have taken place across the country have resulted in significant negative consequences, including loss of life, injuries, property damage and trauma.
He emphasised the Church’s role in fostering reconciliation and called for open engagement between citizens and leaders.
“Both the government and those with divergent views should embrace dialogue. Senseless loss of lives and destruction of property during political rallies and demonstrations are unacceptable. Let us all preach peace and reconciliation, as we are one family called Kenya, regardless of our political and ethnic inclinations,” stated Bishop Mwangi.
While calling on leaders to put politics on the backburner, the Clergyman noted that charged political rallies were scaring away investors, disrupting education and ruining businesses across the country, adding that it was both insensitive to Kenyans and premature to conduct campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Bishop Mwangi said currently the leaders should be preoccupied with supporting service delivery to Kenyans in healthcare, agriculture, and housing among other sectors and warned that political intolerance and public discontent risk plunging the country into chaos.
“Two wrongs can never be right,” he cautioned.
He stressed the importance of respecting the 2010 Constitution and called on youth to engage peacefully and constructively.
Bishop Mwangi also urged the media to exercise responsibility in reporting, warning against biased and inflammatory coverage.
He warned that some of the challenges the country was experiencing were being exploited by some politicians to incite division and chaos.
In her remarks, Ms. Mary Chege, a Social worker and youth mentor, observed that the youth are Kenya’s future and should not be involved in acts of violence and lawlessness.
Advising the youth to be wary of elements keen to use them to cause mayhem and violence, Ms Chege affirmed that the only way to resolve the issues facing Kenya is not through violent demonstrations but through consultations and dialogue.
“When we have some challenges in the country, it becomes a breeding ground for political blame games and tribal divisions. Let’s not accept such tactics. It’s time for all of us to embrace dialogue,” she warned.
Ms Chege pointed out that despite the country facing some challenges, citizens need to remember that Kenya possesses the potential to develop local solutions to address its problems. Adding that, citizens must not lose hope and succumb to despair.
She condemned the violence and destruction of property witnessed during recent protests, attributing some of it to criminal elements out to destabilise communities.
“Let’s not allow political leaders to incite us to destroy the hard-earned property of our fellow citizens. When we destroy our properties, are we developing or going backward?” she urged.
Lay Leader Susan Njenga condemned a section of politicians for what she termed as spreading hate speech and negativity that divide the country.
Ms Njenga criticised politics that fuel division and block development.
“Let us understand that Kenya is for all of us,” she said, while calling upon political leaders to show humility and respect for institutions.
She said Kenya’s democratic space allows freedom of expression but it should promote peace rather than division. The lay leader noted concerns that political discourse is shifting to personal attacks and inflammatory language instead of policy debates.
Ms Njenga also called upon the government to expedite investigations into the loss of lives and destruction of property during the recent protests.
“We call upon the government to expeditiously investigate all the cases of loss of life and bring to book all those responsible for these heinous crimes. The church condoles with the families of Kenyans who have lost their lives during the demonstrations,” she said.
By Emily Kadzo
