Guns won’t secure you, pastors told

By KENNEDY OKWACH

Pastors’ request to be issued with guns to protect themselves has received sharp criticism from the clergy.

Anglican Church of Kenya archbishop Eliud Wabukala said guns cannot guarantee security for anyone. He said the clergy should have instead asked Kenyans to repent and live righteous lives.

“AK47 rifle will never secure anyone’s security. I beg to differ with my fellow pastors because even if they are issued with guns, how will they protect themselves from a mob. They should ask Kenyans to repent and live in peace,” he said.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at Bishop Hanningtone’s Teachers College in Mumias, Wabukala said it’s the government’s obligation to provide security to all Kenyans regardless of their religion, race or tribe.

“It’s the role of government to provide security to all. No single person can protect himself. We need everyone to be protected regardless of there position in society,” he said.

He criticised the brutal murder of a pastor and recent attacks on churches at the Coast but said that should not be a reason for pastors to be issued with guns.

The archbishop said places of worship need to be respected and asked Kenyans to be tolerant with each other. Wabukala called for prayers for youths who burn churches to turn away from the criminal acts and parental guidance to stem societal ills.

“The murder of the pastor was wrong; the attacks on churches should be stopped. All places of worship should be respected whether it’s a church, a mosque, a temple or even a traditional shrine. We should be tolerant with those who don’t believe in our religion because we are all Kenyans,” he said. He criticised calls that all churches should be issued with guns to protect them from attacks and enhance security during church functions.

“As church leaders, we should be on the forefront preaching for peace and reconciliation. Churches are places of worship and not a battlefield,” he said. Mumias Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Benaiah Salala also faulted calls by for pastors to be issued with guns. He said that it’s only through loving and peaceful Kenyans that security will be guaranteed.

Salala argued religious leaders to promote unity and pray for the country to become united and peaceful. “Without peace and love there will no peace even if every Kenyan is given a gun. I ask all religious leaders to promote unity and pray for a peaceful and one Kenya,” he said.