Kepsa urges Kenya to shun divisive politics, safeguard peace

Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa), the Civil Society and religious leaders Friday conducted a prayer session for the nation and called on political leaders to shun divisive politics, saying it only fuels hatred and violence amongst Kenyans.

The leaders condemned the Mpeketoni attacks, that have left more than 60 people dead, and the Baringo and Mandera attacks and urged the country to remain peaceful.

They called on Kenyans to stand together as one, regardless of tribe, colour or political affiliation for the sake of peace.

They urged the Government to handle the current security situation in the country firmly, adding rising insecurity bodes ill for investment climate.

Kepsa chairman Vimal Shah, said it is time to be faithful to the economic needs of Kenyans regardless of how they voted. Others present included Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, Businessman Chris Kirubi, Kepsa CEO Caroline Kariuki, muslim and christian leaders among others.

“Whatever issues we face does not require that we scuttle our peace and slow down our economic pace. This is a time that we do not want costly destruction that derail us from economic growth,” said Shah.

He added: “We may have 47 counties, but we are one country, one nation, one people. Let us all avoid any heat coming from anywhere and make sure we stand together and no longer allow our people to be used.”

He said calls for national dialogue should be to discuss the problems currently bedeviling the country, and come up with possible solutions rather than being used as tool to divide the Country.

“What the country needs is a national dialogue that articulates ideas and solutions to the specific problems we face as a country. It is easier to communicate with people rather than at people through the media,” he added.

Shah reiterated that it is about time to avoid speculation and let the Government do its work and table any evidence against those who are involved.

“Let the instruments of Government, the police, military and others do their job and not take the law into our own hands. If they fail, we should point where they are weak and highlight ways of improvement,” said Shah.

Shah was speaking during a breakfast gathering in Nairobi consisting of business leaders, the inter-religious council, university leaders and members of the civil society who held a prayer session on the state of the nation.

“Politicians are a small problem and they can be fixed by the people if they decide. We should focus on two major problems, that of unemployment as a result of the youth bulge and that of insecurity. No Kenyan should not be victimised for reasons that are not sound,” said Collymore.

He called on religious leaders to preach peace among their congregations. Businessman Chris Kirubi urged political leaders to shun tribal politics.