By LINAH BENYAWA
The National Council of Churches (NCCK) has urged members of Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) to advance their interests through lawful means.
NCCK Secretary General, Peter Karanja, said MRC grievances were legitimate, but calls for secession were unwarranted. He urged the members to look for better ways of addressing the issues.
“We appreciate the grievances raised by the MRC members, but don’t agree with the way they are approaching the issues. We are asking them to advance their queries in ways that will promote peace, cohesion and stability of the country,” said Karanja.
warned group
He was speaking during the NCCK 61st General Assembly at Jumuiya Conference Hall at Kanamai in Kilifi County. ?
Karanja warned the group that staying away from elections would not help solve the problems of the coastal people urged the MRC Leadership to change their stand and vote come the next General Elections.
He disclosed the NCCK team was in a rigorous civic education campaign at the Coast while paying special attention to negative impact of MRC in seeking to disfranchise the locals.
“NCCK has devolved its work and we are in deep conversations on matters touching on MRC and peace in the region. Between now and election time, we will come up with ways of changing the negative impact of MRC in seeking to disfranchise the people,” he added.
He expressed concerns at how important the forthcoming elections were to the country arguing that there is a need for free, fair and peaceful polls so that the new system of government would start on the right footing.
“We are putting in place a one-year programme of voter education, elections monitoring and promotion of peace and reconciliation. We will also partner with other faith based organisations for prayers and fasting for the nation.” he said.
