Nyamira churches condemn Murang’a violence

Dr Charles Ondiga (middle) addresses the press in Nyamira on October 05, 2020. They accused politicians for threatening peace in the country. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

Interfaith ministers from Nyamira County have condemned the violence that was witnessed at a Murang'a Church on Sunday.

The clergy, under the Nyamira Interfaith Council, told President Uhuru Kenyatta to speak out over the misuse of the police force in suppressing perceived political challengers.

The ministers faulted the President Uhuru for not leading the way in promoting peaceful coexistence among people in his government who are having political differences.

The bishops condemned what they termed as negative spirit of the handshake which they said may spur political intolerance and erode values of national unity.

According to them, the current political temperatures in the country were wholly attributed to the Handshake politics which have been skewed towards succession of President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

"We condemn such acts and evil deeds, and above all the disrespect to the Deputy President of the country by the people surrounding the President. This is not a good example and the President should be at the fore to castigate it," Dr Charles Ondiga, the chairman of the council said.

"Those in power in the country should desist from misusing police officers to score political mileage. Our officers should not accept to be used at all to stir peace," Rev Thomas Nyabwanga noted.

The clergymen were speaking in Nyamira on Monday following chaos that happened at Kenol Church in Murang'a County after political rivals crashed.

Two people died in the melee while several others escaped with injuries during the fracas.