Nairobi: Clergy Want Ruto and Raila to Embrace Dialogue

The clergy has called upon His Excellency President William Ruto and Rt Honourable Raila Odinga to embrace dialogue and end the grandstanding that is pushing the country deeper into crisis.

“As the top political leaders in the country, you have a mandate of entrenching a culture of inclusive and multi-stakeholder dialogue and consultations to address issues rather than confrontations,”the clergy Said.

Speaking at a National Dialogue Forum
held on Friday at Ufungamano House, Nairobi,the clergy urged political leaders to embrace peace and unity and avoid incitements.

Led by. Bishop Dr John Okinda Vice chairman National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Bishop urged Kenyans to Embrace Dialogue for the sake of the Nation .

“Through the Constitution of Kenya 2010, we agreed to establish a nation based on
dialogue and consultations through well outlined structures. The cycle of pre and post election crises we have witnessed over the decades is a reflection of the failure by political leaders to choose dialogue to address their disputes and agreements,”Bishop Okinda Said.

Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado Chairman SUPKEM called for Immediate measures
to facilitate an environment for dialogue.

” We call upon His Excellency President Ruto to listen to the people of Kenya by repealing the Finance Act 2023 to review the heavy taxation proposed,”Chairman SUPKEM Said.

The Forum was aimed at reviewing the state of the nation with a goal of laying a framework for resolving the persistent political conflicts that have put us on a
downward spiral that could end in destruction.

“We have recognized that the current political crisis and violence is portending an existential threat to our nation and requires urgent measures to stem it,” Said NCCK in a press statement.

The NCCK noted that on the State of the Nation since the beginning of this year, the country has been plunged in a state of tension, violence and political dispute that has split the country.

” It is very worrying that during the
demonstrations witnessed since the beginning of July, we have documented 27 persons shot dead by police during demonstrations. This cannot continue and must be brought to an end immediately,”NCCK Said.

The clergy urged Kenyans to refuse to engage in violence despite the
provocations or incitements.

” Do remember that those who are inciting you will secure themselves, their families and properties when the country goes on fire. It is you and your family who will be left suffering.

The clergy also called upon Rt Hon Odinga to listen to the people and immediately call off the ongoing demonstrations while engaging the youths.

“Cognizably, over 70% of the population of Kenya are below 35 years of age. This youth bulge cannot be ignored, and should be the focus of policies and programmes in the nation,”Said NCCK in a statement.