Church concerned over rising insecurity

By David Ohito

The Anglican Church has asked President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure national security does not deteriorate.

Maseno West Bishop Reverend Joseph Wasonga and the Synod said Kenyans must embrace peace as the country inches closer to the March 4 General Election.

The cleric, who was presiding over the diocesan Synod meeting of 43 parishes, extended a message of condolence to the families of those who died in clashes in Tana River, Mandera, and Mombasa.

“Kenyans must pray for the nation and leaders must exercise responsibility and help reconcile warring factions that may compromise the transitional elections,” Wasonga said.

Wasonga condemned attacks targeting churches in Mombasa and called for religious tolerance arguing Christianity and Islam have coexisted harmoniously and no criminal acts can touch off religious animosity. The synod sent condolence messages to families of eight pupils who perished in a dormitory fire at Asumbi Girls Boarding Primary.