Muslim and Christian religious leaders in Lamu have launched a fresh bid to help end sectarian differences within communities living in the county.
The clerics, who were hosted by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) have started a Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) that will aid in promoting peace and cohesion across all communities in Lamu.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Amu Island, MUHURI’s Lamu Coordinator Mohammed Skanda stated that the initiative will help in resolving sectarian differences, which he added have been the main contributor to terror attacks within Lamu.
He stated that MUHURI is working towards bringing reconciliation and understanding among communities by bringing together religious leaders, security agents and other stakeholders in addressing gaps that breed religious intolerance.
Jesus Celebration Centre Reverend David Mbeo stated that the joint initiative will aid in demystifying differences between Christians and Muslims as well as work on a collaborative action plan between clerics to address conflicts within terror hotspot areas in Lamu.
Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Abdikadir stated that the joint initiative will further aid in addressing pastoralist and farmer conflicts within Lamu.
“Most of the conflicts within Lamu today, especially within the mainland stem from farmer-pastoralist conflicts, which can be addressed through peace committees that the joint initiative will set up,” Sheikh Abdi Kadir said.
Pastor James Katana of the Lamu Hema Church who called on all clerics to work together echoed the same sentiments to ensure the initiative is successful.
He further said that the initiative will also help address inter-community conflicts with an authoritative voice calling for peace and tolerance among communities living in Lamu.
Ustadh Yusuf Omar on his part stated that the initiative would further aid religious leaders work together in resolving internal conflicts among communities and called on the national government to support entrench the initiative.
Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative Lamu Coordinator Noor Dahir expressed optimism over the impact of the initiative.
By Amenya Ochieng
