Kibaki, Raila differences a threat to stability, say clerics

By Peter Atsiaya

Religious leaders and the Law Society of Kenya say President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s differences threaten Kenya’s stability.

Anglican Church bishops Simon Oketch, Beneah Salala and Reverend Kenneth Wachianga told the two principals to reconcile and focus on the ongoing constitution review.

Head of Kisumu Catholic Archdiocese Archbishop Zachaeus Okoth said Kenyans should not stop pushing for the truth about corrupt deals.

LSK Vice-Chairman James Mwamu said the differences between the two principals were bound to create institutional and political crisis and should be resolved immediately.

He said the two should know they hold the lives of many Kenyans in their hands and not make moves that would affect reconciliation.

"Kenyans expect discipline to prevail in Government. We don’t expect separate decisions from the two leaders as witnessed last weekend," he said, adding: "The country lacks leadership and what is going on will not inspire confidence among Kenyans in the leaders".

Mwamu said LSK supported the war against corruption and asked ministers whose dockets were implicated in graft to step aside.

"Kibaki and Raila should stop playing games with Kenyans. We are not ready to go the direction they are heading," said Oketch, head of ACK Maseno North Diocese.

Wachianga expressed fear that the differences would divert attention from the constitution review process to politics. "If the two principals are not ready to agree they should step aside," he added.

Salala said the two were dragging the country back and should be ignored.