Bishop John Bosco of the Redeemed Gospel Church in Ukunda Township has called on politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns in the run up to the Msambweni parliamentary by-election slated for December 15.
The religious leader called on the parliamentary aspirants and their political parties on the campaign trail to uphold peace noting that it was vital for the people to vote in a peaceful environment.
He at the same time advised Msambweni resident to pray for peace and unity before, during and after the mini-poll. The Msambweni parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of immediate former area MP Suleiman Dori in March.
Addressing the press on Sunday after a church service Bishop Bosco said he hoped the mini poll to be free and fair.
Bishop Bosco who is also the church’s regional overseer said the electoral race should remain peaceful to ensure that the outcome is widely accepted by the people adding as religious leaders they have a special role to play as agents of peace and reconciliation and in ensuring that Kenya becomes a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The clergyman who was accompanied by ODM party flag bearer Omar Boga said any slight electoral violence would lead to disruptions of economic and social development and asked parliamentary hopefuls to demonstrate a high level of tolerance to ensure peace prevails in the lead up, during and after the by-election.
The ODM party nominee Omar Boga said he stands for peace and religious tolerance to help build stability and progress in the constituency. He said it was high time Kenyans learnt to tolerate one another regardless of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations.
On his part, Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata has warned that security agencies will deal firmly with any group that threatens to disrupt the mini-poll. Elungata said the security agencies are out to ensure peaceful by-elections in Msambweni constituency and Dabaso (Kilifi) and Wundayi (Taita Taveta) wards.
The Regional administrator said no one would be allowed to cause security threats in the region and disrupt the election process.
By Hussein Abdullahi
