Moderate language during polls campaigns

Religious leaders have raised the red flag over the provocative language used by politicians to drum up support for their parties ahead of the August 8 General Elections. The warning comes at a time when incidents of violence have been escalating in some regions as politicians jockey for positions even before party primaries which start in about a week’s time.

It is quite clear that not enough is being done to compel politicians to moderate their language during campaigns and steer clear of topics that are likely to inflame passions. This includes finger-pointing over who was responsible for the violence that almost destroyed the country after the 2007 elections. The claim by President Uhuru Kenyatta that CORD leader Raila Odinga was responsible is unfortunate and regrettable.