A section of clergy from Nyeri County has called on Kenyans to remain peaceful, as the country gradually settles down, following the conclusion of one of the most hotly contested general election in the country’s history.
Led by Bishop Paul Wanjohi of Abundant Life Church, the religious leaders drawn from the evangelical churches said the country has just witnessed a peaceful election, whose gains should not be watered down after the announcement of the final results.
Wanjohi said as the church, they will continue praying for peace and tranquility of the county, but was quick to add that Kenyans have a personal responsibility to ensure they maintain peaceful coexistence amongst communities.
“We thank God for answering our prayers by granting us a peaceful electioneering process. We also thank the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for undertaking a transparent election despite the numerous challenges. Let’s now embrace each other and pull together towards building our country not only for now, but even for the generations to come,” said Bishop Wanjohi on behalf of the other clerics Tuesday.
The clerics have also congratulated the president-elect Dr. William Ruto and the deputy president-elect Rigathi Gachagua for being declared winners of the presidential vote.
They said the two managed to convince majority of the Kenyans to vote for them, therefore the onus is on the duo to deliver on the many promises they had initially made to the electorate during the campaign period.
And while acknowledging the right for supporters of the winning coalition to celebrate, the religious leaders appealed for tolerance towards those who feel the elections did not go their way.
At the same time, they urged those aggrieved by the outcome of the election to avoid taking the road to anarchy but rather seek redress through the available legal channels.
Among those in attendance was Bishop Erastus Njoroge of Four-Square Gospel Churches of Kenya and Bishop Dr. James Njoroge, who is the Regional Overseer for the PEFA Churches in Mount Kenya region.
By Samuel Maina
