Garissa Governor Ali Korane has called on religious leaders to use their positions in the society to promote peaceful co-existence among communities.
Speaking at a Garissa hotel Saturday, when he met religious leaders from Balambala, Garissa Township and Fafi sub-counties, Korane said the clerics ‘are people of high standing in the society and their words are taken seriously.’
“Religion has shaped society across the world. Clerics reprimand and correct the mightiest in the society including the very top political class,” he said.
“It is may appeal you use this God given position to make sure you do what is right by pointing out the ills and shortcomings in the society, which should include promoting peaceful co-existence among neighbouring communities,” he added.
The governor said the clerics play a critical role in society especially on sensitization of peace and spiritual guidance.
Korane said he would reach out to all religious leaders from the other sub counties to solicit their support towards peaceful co-existence and harmony across the county.
“We have established a fully-fledged religious directorate in my administration because we understand your role of inculcating success, righteousness, high moral standings and integrity within our community,” the Governor noted.
Korane said that peace meetings are ongoing to address the cross border conflicts between Garissa – Isiolo as well as Lagdera and Balambala sub counties.
The governor announced that he reached out to Qatar, Morocco, Turkey and Saudi Arabia Muslim States to empower local Madrassas and Quranic schools and support the county government on various projects that include construction of a modern mother and child center at the Garissa Referral Hospital.
Sheikh Osman Abdi, a member of the council of imams urged political leaders to tolerate each other ‘especially now that we are heading towards next year’s general elections.’
Abdi regretted that careless utterances by the politicians were only fueling tension, which was not good for the country.
by Jacob Songok
