By Francis Ontomwa
Religious leaders want the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against Cabinet minister William ole Ntimama over remarks on the voter registration.
The National Heritage Minister was quoted in the media as saying non-natives of his Narok North Constituency should leave and seek voters’ cards at their places of birth.
Clerics across the country have termed the remarks unfortunate and uncalled for and demanded that he apologises to Kenyans for falling short of expectations.
Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) retired Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi and Mumias Diocese Bishop, Beneah Salala faulted the remarks, saying they were meant to spark ethnic tension in Narok and challenged the lawmaker to withdraw the statement.
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“We are one people, it is enshrined clearly in the Constitution that Kenyans can live anywhere and vote anywhere,” observed Bishop Nzimbi.
Head of the Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA) Pastor Paul Muasya said the legislator’s comments would water down national cohesion efforts.
Pastor Muasya also urged Mr Ntimama to apologise to Kenyans and work towards national integration by reconciling communities living in Narok.
“That was an irrelevant message because this country belongs to all Kenyans. He should bring people together for peaceful coexistence” stated Pastor Muasya in an interview with The Standard.
Bishop Joshua Koyo of Episcopal Church of Africa and the head the Interfaith Peace Initiative in Kisumu demanded Ntimama withdraws the statement and apologises to Kenyans.
“Such unwarranted remarks should not come from a person of his calibre, Kenyans have a right to exercise their democratic right from anywhere and therefore Ntimama should make a public apology,” noted Bishop Koyo.
Kakamega Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre Imam, Ibrahim Sadala termed the remarks hate speech and asked NCIC to act on them to discourage others from making careless remarks of that ilk.
“We are heading into the General Election and such remarks are likely to spark tension. What we need is a cohesive and a well-integrated Kenya, NCIC has their work cut out for them,” observed Imam Sadala.
Others who condemned the Narok North MP’s sentiments included Maximila Okello, a volunteer of a peace initiative in Bungoma County.
