Kenya’s Faith Leaders Engage “key political actors” to Foster “justice, peace, prosperity”

“We have commenced the process of reaching out to the key political actors,” they said in their statement that was read out by the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, and Al-Hajj Hassan Nando of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).

The faith leaders said they had a “fellowship” with the President-elect, Dr. Ruto, and are in the process of meeting his main challenger in the Presidential race, Mr. Odinga, as well as the outgoing President, Uhuru Kenyatta.  

“It is our hope and prayer that these engagements will promote justice, peace and prosperity of Kenya,” they said during the August 17 press conference.

Making reference to the four IEBC commissioners who distanced themselves from declared Presidential results “because of the opaque nature on how (the last phase of tallying) has been handled”, the representatives of faith leaders in Kenya said they are “concerned with the apparent disunity among the commissioners.”

Representatives of faith-based leaders in Kenya with President-elect, Dr. William Ruto on 17 August 2022. Credit: Catholic MPs in Kenya/Facebook

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They disclosed that they have since reached out to the IEBC commissioners “to pray and listen to them with a view of finding an amicable way forward.”

The religious leaders commended Kenyans for conducting themselves peacefully before, during and after the declaration of the results, and expressed their gratitude to security agencies and all stakeholders for their role in the polls. 

They, however, regretted the fact that the general elections have had casualties. They said they are mourning “the Kenyans who are reported to have been killed during the process, including the IEBC Returning Officer.”

Mr. Daniel Musyoka, the Returning Officer in Nairobi’s Embakasi East Constituency went missing on August 11 while on duty. His lifeless body, which, according to reports, had visible physical injuries, was found on Monday, August 15 at the Amboseli National Park in Kajiado South Sub-County.

During the August 17 press conference, the representatives of religious leaders in Kenya urged security agencies to speed up investigations into Mr. Musyoka’s killing “so that those responsible are held to account.” 

To all Kenyans, the faith leaders underscored the need to embrace peace and national cohesion.

“As Kenyans, we have committed ourselves to be guided by the rule of law, and should not allow the electoral process to divide us,” they said, and appealed for prayers for their elected leaders to “serve our nation effectively and promote justice, peace and national cohesion.” 

“Let us continue praying that every Kenyan will play their role in advancing our country,” they said, and added referencing the National Anthem of Kenya, “Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together and the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labor, fill every heart with thanksgiving.”

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.