Church warns against tribal tension and graft

Anglican bishops have warned politicians against polarising and tribalising the nation.

The church leaders also warned the government against fuelling tribal acrimony through state appointments.

''There is an apparent lack of transparency and accountability in our institutions. Let all institutions and government agencies be impartial and efficient, and not simply beholden to political influence,'' said Anglican Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit.

He said the Kenyan Kwanza government had failed the test in the fight against graft in public office.

''We see the government is walking the slippery path by slackening in the fight against corruption. To our dismay, impunity in the management of public resources and public affairs is becoming the order of the day,'' he said.

The clergy also said they will support governing laws that will stem proliferation of cult practices.

In a joint statement, the church leaders however warned the government against curtailing freedom of worship for all its citizens.

''We condole with the families that lost their beloved ones in Shakahola and caution the public to be alert and report any suspicious religious practices,'' Bishop Sapit said.

The men of cloth noted with concern the rising political temperature, warning that it is affecting both the economy and social fabric.

The clergy said politicians will be held accountable should the country slide into social unrest saying they are ready to play a mediation role.

They asked the political class to climb down and engage each other through a healthy process to resolve their differences rather than taking to the streets.

Addressing the media at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi after attending a consultative forum on matters affecting the country, the House of Bishops condemned the manner in which the opposition are driving their agenda.

''Azimio has resorted to protests and picketing to compel the government address the aforementioned issues. Unfortunately, this form of call for action has caused business losses, especially in Nairobi,'' he stated.

''We shall invite the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders to attend the talks after consultation with all stakeholders. As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to ensure our country remains peaceful and stable,'' said Sapit.

On economy, the clergy demanded that the government controls its spending which they say continues to balloon.

''We are concerned that the government has by default resorted to increasing taxes to snowball revenue collection. The government is not addressing the budget deficits, excessive spending and mismanagement of public resources which seem to take precedence over basic needs,'' he added.

They also raised challenges facing the health sector, education, environment and climate change as well as peace in the troubled Asal region.