Clergy from various religious formations in Kilifi county have raised concerns over elected leaders who have been undermining those who lost in the just concluded elections, noting that this could divide Kenyans.
They now want such leaders to work for the electorate without necessarily undermining the poll losers saying that all human beings deserve to be treated with a measure of respect.
Speaking during a County dialogue forum organized in Kilifi to review the past elections, Khairat Mosque Chairman Imam Shariff Salim said that all leaders had their own supporters who equally deserve to be respected.
He asked leaders to lead citizens peacefully without making others feel inferior after losing the elections.
Margaret Nzioki, a Catholic Peace Ambassador in Kilifi said religion does not sanction celebrating other people’s downfall.
She added that Kenyans maintained peace before, during and after elections and therefore leaders should not spite others over poll loss, since that could disunite citizens.
According to Elijah Mwakio, a Seventh Day Adventist Pastor in Kilifi, it is the religious leaders’ responsibility to review the past elections and voice concerns in order to achieve a peaceful nation.
The clergy also faulted the government’s move to abolish Kazi Mtaani project. Led by Lieutenant Dennis Mulati, youth leader in the Coast region under National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK), they said that through Kazi Mtaani project, many youths have not been involving themselves in crimes and drug abuse, thus this would be a big blow to them.
On behalf of the leaders, Mulati pleaded with President William Ruto to consider the majority of youths who might not benefit from the national housing programs to remain in Kazi Mtaani as the alternative.