Religious leaders call for prayers ahead of Saba Saba rally

Nakuru, Kenya: Religious and youth leaders in Nakuru have called for peace and prayers ahead of the July 7 Saba Saba rally in Nairobi.

Addressing separate news conferences in the town, the groups said peace is paramount and urged leaders to exercise their leadership reasonably.

Nakuru County Youth for Peace Chairman Collins Oduor said state organs should exercise their constitutional mandate fully in ensuring the country remains united.

"As young people of Nakuru, we declare that we will maintain and pledge to preach peace right from our door steps to our county and to the country at large," said Oduor.

The youths said the effects of the post-election violence are still fresh in the county and vowed not to allow a repeat of the chaos.

"It is our resolve that we shall not be used, incited, lured, manipulated, enticed, cajoled or bribed to destabilise our beloved motherland," they said.

Oduor challenged leaders to reason together and avoid unnecessary utterances that trigger conflict saying they should be mentors and role models to the citizenry.

Speaking separately, Nakuru Pastors Foundation leaders said they would be holding a prayer conference from Wednesday till Saturday at Afraha Stadium. Their theme is titled: Prayer, Our National Responsibility.

"As the Church in Nakuru, we have decided to arise at this momentous time in the history of our nation to stand in the gap and pray. We have been commanded to pray for those who are in authority," the chairman John Omollo said.

Omollo said the war against the vices facing the country must be fought on both physical and spiritual fronts.