Inter-faith Council calls out politicians drawing large crowds

As Kenya tip-toes through a coronavirus infection lull, a religious lobby is worried politicians could undo the gains of the virus fight. 

The Inter-Religious Council of Kenyans wants political gatherings and campaigns postponed until the Covid-19 situation is under control.

The council’s chair Archbishop Antony Muheria implored leaders to set an example of compliance beyond wearing masks and work on keeping all Kenyans safe.

“As the Inter-faith council, wish to appeal to you our dear political leaders that we should not gamble with the lives of Kenyans. Postpone your political-public gatherings because they put our people at risk,” said Muheria from Ufungamano House. 

“Even though we continue to witness a total disregard especially amongst our political class. We cannot get tired of giving good examples,” he added.

Muheria emphasised the need for people to be cautious during weddings and funerals -- areas with one of the highest propensity to increase transmission.

“When we eat all of us remove our masks. We plead that no food will be served at funerals. The body will be transferred straight to the place of the service… the number of those attending weddings is raised to 200 and food is to be served only to the extended family,” said Muheria.

The council holds that we are still not out of the woods and said that churches will continue operating with caution even as those over 65 years and those younger than 6 years are allowed to worship.

They reminded Kenyans that Covid-19 is still a reality and all protocols of social distancing, washing of hands and wearing of masks should continue being adhered to at all public places.

The statement by the inter-faith council comes a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that church services, funerals and weddings can have a maximum of 200 people, up from 100.

Kenya recorded 53 more Covid-19 positive cases on Monday to raise the country's total caseload to 38,168.