KENYA: Church Holds National Prayers Ahead of Repeat Presidential Elections

NAKURU OCTOBER 7, 2017(CISA)-The Catholic Church in Kenya on October 7 held the annual National Pilgrimage to the National Marian Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County.

“As we pray for peace in our families and Country, let us be the authentic agents and messengers of peace following our Lord and Master,” Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops said in his speech at the event.

While thanking President Uhuru Kenyatta, for honouring the invitation to attend the event, the bishop urged the president to reach out to the opposition and other political leaders to create a forum for dialogue and discuss the best way forward for the country.

“You’re Excellency, as you may be aware, the aftermath of the General Elections has threatened and affected the peace and harmony of our Nation. In that breath, we implore your wisdom as the Head of State to take the lead in healing the Nation and uniting the Country which has been split along political lines. We appeal to Your Excellency to continue reaching out to the opposition and other Political Leaders so as to create a forum for dialogue and discuss the best way forward in the interest of this great Nation Kenya,” the bishop urged.

The pilgrimage was attended by faithful from all the dioceses of Kenya led by the Archdiocese of Kisumu which animated the Mass.

“What unites us as a nation is more than what can divide us in form of opinions,” Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth said in his homily.

The bishops entrusted Kenya into the hands of our Lady Queen of Peace, “especially in these moments that the political temperatures are rising. We pray that the forthcoming Presidential Election may be free, fair and credible for Kenyans to get a Leader of their choice.”