Kenyans ‘write letters to God’ ahead of polls

By Lonah Kibet

NAIROBI; KENYA: Kenyans have started ‘writing letters to God’ in efforts to unite in the spirit of love and forgiveness as next year’s polls approach.

The idea was first conceived when a group of people from Kenya’s business community, non-governmental organisations, and spiritual groups convened to discuss ways in which people could reunite for peace.

‘Write to God’ has since spread across the country and is being embraced by church groups, charities and major private sector players, among others.

Heritage Ministry former Director of Culture Silverse Anami said Kenyans were going through an election period and there was a lot of suspicion and fear.

“This initiative will help us to harbour tolerance for one another and will remind us at the end of the day we are God’s people,” Anami said on Thursday during a press conference at a Nairobi hotel.

Promote love

“We have a responsibility to promote love amongst humanity because through this we can experience the richness of a life of peace,” he added. The launch will be held at the Serve Africa Retreat Centre in Westlands, Nairobi, on December 1.

It is expected that on January 18 next year, Kenyans would gather in large numbers in Nairobi to unveil the biggest collection of letters to God ever written.

Over the next six weeks, every letter written will contribute to this collection and the celebratory event would be attended by representatives from the many different religious faiths and races in the country. This will include youths, the elderly and people from all walks of life.

 Beyond race

The initiative, the organisers say, goes beyond age, race, gender, religion or any other affiliation and is based on the premise that everyone is God’s child.

Some letters have already been received and those who wish to remain anonymous will not have their identities revealed.

“Dear God, I pray that you may provide and satisfy me with your peace. Peace is the only thing that I need in this life. I need peace with my family and peace with everyone around me,” read a letter from Phyllis.

The initiative aims at inspiring atleast a million people to write to God to share their gratitude, inner hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations.