A section of religious and political leaders in Siaya is calling on the country’s political leadership to give dialogue a chance to help reduce political tension in the country.
Led by Maseno West Anglican diocese bishop, Right reverend John Mark Godia, the leaders are appealing to Kenyans not to go back to the streets but continue with talks until the country gets a solution to the issues affecting them.
Speaking at St Marks ACK church, Awelo on the outskirts of Siaya town, bishop Godia said that though the bipartisan talks seem to be marred with a lot of challenges, Kenyans should not give up.
“In the last few weeks, we appealed to our leaders to dialogue over the issues that are affecting Kenyans. It seems that they have not understood one another well and the conversation seems to be marred with a lot of challenges,” said the cleric.
Bishop Godia said that going back to the streets will not solve the country’s problems, adding that Kenyans were likely to benefit more from the fruits of dialogue.
His sentiments were supported by lawyer Mugoye Mbeya who urged the leadership of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga not to resort to the streets.
Mbeya, who unsuccessfully vied for the Siaya governorship in the last general elections, said that the country had lost a lot after the demonstrations.
He said that Kenyans were yearning for reduction of the high cost of living and improved service delivery and anything that does not address them must be rejected.
“I urge the Azimio la Umoja leadership and their Kenya Kwanza counterparts to continue with dialogue and give Kenyans what we desire,” said Mbeya.
By Philip Onyango
