ACK church leader warns against political violence ahead of election

An Anglican Church leader has condemned political violence and the desecration of church altars as Kenya prepares for the next general election.

The Bishop of Maseno East, the Rt Rev Bernard Owuor, said politicians should respect places of worship and stop using church pulpits for political gain.

Speaking in Kisumu after a consultative forum with church leaders from his diocese, Bishop Owuor also urged religious leaders to avoid partisan politics and provide guidance to Kenyans during periods of political tension.

He said it was regrettable that some church leaders had openly aligned themselves with political factions instead of remaining impartial.

“It is sad that some church leaders are now openly siding with certain political divides, yet that should not be the case,” he said.

Bishop Owuor urged clergy to remain focused on their religious responsibilities and emulate past church leaders, including Henry Okullu, Timothy Njoya, David Gitari, Mutava Musyimi and Alexander Muge, whom he said had spoken out for Kenyans during difficult times.

He also criticised politicians for using young people to advance their political interests, saying they often bore the consequences of violence.

“Some have even been killed or maimed, while mothers have been left as widows,” he said.

The bishop also condemned alleged extrajudicial killings by security agencies, saying suspects should be arrested and taken to court if they are accused of committing offences.

He questioned why people perceived to be opponents of the government should be abducted.

Bshop Owuor said women and girls were also struggling to participate fully in politics because of increasing violence and intimidation during political campaigns.

He called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other investigative agencies to take action against leaders who use inflammatory language to create fear and hostility.

He urged politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns and called on Kenyans to reject violence ahead of the elections.

Bishop Owuor also said no one should be victimised because of their political affiliation and urged the IEBC to remain vigilant against electoral malpractice.