Stop ignoring religious leaders' views on issues of national concern

Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Association Chairman Apostle Peter Manyuru calls on President William Ruto to address rising political tension in the country. [File, Standard].

Religious leaders in Kenya are very angry and disappointed with the Kenya Kwanza government. Recently several videos have gone viral online with daring-the-devil messages from respected pastors. The latest features Rev Pastor Teresia Wairimu who could not hold any longer her "embarrassment" at the very government she told her congregants was ordained by God. The sense of bewilderment at the poor government service delivery is palpable among many religious leaders.

Just last week, three mainstream religious organisations, the Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD - KCCB), National Council of Churches of Kenya and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims issued a sharp statement questioning the government's commitment to promoting justice, peace and respect for the rule of law. Unfortunately, the media did not take the statement with the weight it deserved, instead preferring to prime the political war between the President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. The statement focused on the state of the nation and made demands as follows: