Kwale County Religious Advisory Council Chair Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu leads colleagues in addressing the media at Kombani Social Hall in Matuga sub-county on Saturday, January 27, 2023.
CONCERNED: Kwale County Religious Advisory Council Chair Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu leads colleagues in addressing the media at Kombani Social Hall in Matuga sub-county on Saturday, January 27, 2023. Image: SHABAN OMARA section of Kwale religious leaders, Kaya elders and youth have urged Azimio chief Raila Odinga to cancel the planned Sunday rally at Jacaranda grounds in Nairobi.The leaders have expressed concern that the political rallies might jeopardize national peace, cohesion and security.
Kwale County Religious Advisory Council Chair Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu said recent utterances by the ODM leader of failing to recognize President William Ruto and his administration are likely to divide Kenyans."We are worried by Raila's words and if the said rally is to ever happen, it won't bring any good," he said.
He added that it creates tension to denounce the government in power.On Monday last week, Raila held a mega rally at Kamukunji Grounds immediately after returning from South Africa.The ODM leader said that victory was stolen from him, alleging that he was rigged out in the last general elections.Mwachirumu said.
Raila should accept the outcome of the general election and the court's verdict for peace to prevail.Last year, Raila challenged Ruto's win at the Supreme Court but the court upheld Ruto's victory."If you keep on saying that you don't trust the Judicial process what are you telling Kenyans that rally behind you," Mwachirumu said.
He said the veteran politician should not let Kenyans spill blood but rather unite and lead them on the right path.The sheikh said Kenyans have learned from the previous post-election violence and wouldn't want to go back.
He said the economy is still weak and Kenyans are recovering from the losses of the Covid-19 pandemic and political tensions will bring more harm than good.He urged both Raila and Ruto to seek the assistance of religious leaders and initiate peaceful dialogues.Bishop Esther Ndemwa told Raila that leadership is God-given and should wait for the right time.She said no matter what, both Raila and Ruto must observe peace and be mindful of what they speak."Tongue is a powerful thing, it can create and burn the country," she said.
Ndemwa said the political tag of wars is a threat to women's progress and the country's development."Every time we experience violence, mothers are hard hit because they are the ones running small businesses to fend for the families," she said.
Kwale Kaya Elders committee secretary Salim Mwalimu said the country is in dire need of special prayers because drought and high cost of living are continuing to wreak havoc.He said leaders must come together and look for various ways of addressing the problems rather than engaging in politics.
Youth leader Hamisi Mohammed warned politicians against misusing youth to disrupt peace."Unemployment is killing us and I would wish Ruto and Raila to sit down and see how they can help one another in creating job opportunities.
