Pontiff says he is paying close attention to poll process, praying for country

Pope Francis (Photo: Courtesy)

Pope Francis called for constructive dialogue in Kenya and said on Sunday that he was following the situation with ‘close attention’.

“I am paying close attention in these days to Kenya, which I visited in 2015,” Francis told pilgrims and tourists gathered for the Angelus prayer. 

The Pope said he was praying “that the whole country might be able to face the current difficulties in a climate of constructive dialogue, having at heart the search for the common good”.

In a shock decision, Kenya’s Supreme Court overturned the August election victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta over his Opposition rival, Raila Odinga, citing ‘irregularities”’ in the transmission of the results. 

The ruling, unprecedented in Africa, has plunged the country into its worst political crisis since post-election violence in 2007 and 2008 left 1,100 people dead.

Return to the polls

Kenyans will return to the polls on October 26, but Raila has said he will not participate. 

On Friday, both Kenyatta and Raila made calls for election peace, while making veiled digs at each other on Kenya’s annual Mashujaa Day, the heroes day.?

Hundreds of faithful yesterday thronged places of worship to pray for a peaceful presidential election slated for Thursday this week.

Clerics called for Kenyans to maintain peace and asked politicians to soften their hardline stances and not to shut the window for dialogue.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) said it was ready to midwife a political truce between the main parties — the Jubilee Party and the NASA coalition — even after the October 26 polls.

Speaking during a prayer rally organised by the Methodist Church, Mombasa Synod Bishop Michael Simba said the council had been spearheading negotiations and meditation between the parties involved.

Today, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya will hold prayers in Mombasa at Mbaruku Mosque, according to a statement sent to newsrooms by the organisation.

Christian clerics said they should not be vilified or called fence-sitters in the current political impasse,  adding that they had been actively involved in talks to bring together the leading contenders in the presidential race.

“Many might have not seen it but NCCK has been in the front line trying to bring peace by leading talks between the leaders involved.

“So the council has not been silent over the current political tension,” said Bishop Simba.

Firm and strong

He said Kenyans should not condemn the council because of some members’ mistakes, saying the council is still firm and strong. He cautioned religious leaders quoted openly supporting certain political parties and asked them to maintain the oath of religion of being neutral.

“It is sad that we have religious leaders who have abandoned their call and are now supporting certain parties openly. Let them know our course is to unite Kenyans and we should forever remain neutral,” said Simba.