Ethnicity among religious leaders hindering Kenya’s cohesion efforts

KENYA: Ethnicity among religious leaders has been termed an impediment to national cohesion and integration in Kenya.

In a cohesion and integration training that was held for religious leaders at a Homa Bay hotel, it transpired that many religious leaders were saved yet they were still perpetrating ethnic hatred in dealing with their faithful.

Addressing the gathering, the Secretary in charge of National Cohesion and Values in the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination Michael Ndung'u and Homa Bay County Commissioner Kassim Farrah told the clergy to be in the forefront of uniting Kenyans.

Ndung'u said it would be prudent for the clergy to portray the salvation they have in God to unite Kenyan communities.

"The clergy are key opinion shapers in the society. It is wrong for them to do anything that may portray discrimination on tribal lines when dealing with the people they are supposed to serve," said Ndung'u.

He told the clergy to use their leadership opportunity in giving their contributions to institutions responsible for making policies in the country.

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"The clergy should actively participate in policy making at the National Assembly, Senate and county assemblies to enable interest of the public be served effectively," added Ndung'u.

On his part, Farrah stressed the importance of national unity and integration saying nothing important can be achieved if Kenyans are divided.

"We have brought together 40 religious leaders from all over the county to acquire these training so that they become ambassador of national cohesion and integration by train in their respective areas of jurisdiction to residents at the grass root level to embrace the national values," said Farrah.

Homa Bay Anglican Church Canon Ezekiah Oduor expressed optimism that the training will help the locals avoid tribal hatred which is a recipe for chaos during elections.

"The knowledge we acquire here will enable us know how we should handle our neighbours during the forthcoming electioneering period," said Oduor.

The religious leaders trained during the workshop are also expected to train other leaders so that the knowledge on national integration and cohesion trickles down to the locals at the grass root level.