The Kenyan Catholic bishops have called for calm and patience in the country as the tallying, and verification of the presidential ballot continues.
In a joint statement, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops under the leadership of Most Rev Martin Kivuva Musonde appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful as they await the announcement of the president elect.
The bishops further cautioned Kenyans against fake news especially on social media meant to cause tension during this waiting period
“There are people bent on causing unnecessary panic, we ask you to treat any suspicious message or text with caution.
Let us join hands in preventing any form of incitement” read part of the statement.
Further while commending the Independent Electoral and Boundaries commission (IEBC) for the concerted efforts to conclude the verification and tallying process, the bishops encouraged the Electoral body to speed up the process to avoid unnecessary tension, anxiety, rumours amongst Kenyans.
“We commend the efforts the IEBC is making, and we also encourage them to do what it takes to conclude the tallying process,” observed the bishops.
The bishops further called on candidates who will not win the election to accept the results outcome with dignity and asked those who will win to accept their victory with respect and humility.
The bishops also urged the young people to resist the temptation of causing violence once the presidential announcement is made because contenders have a way to solve any dissatisfaction in the process through the courts.
“To the young people, you have a future to protect, please do not be used to bring skirmishes or cause violence” cautioned Kivuva.
On Saturday, the IEBC Chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, assured Kenyans that the commission will announce the presidential results before the lapse of the seven days from the election day as provided for by the law.
By Florence Kinyua
