By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, AUGUST 5, 2022 (CISA) – “I want also to remind those who might think they can only answer through violence, not to opt for the South Sudan way, if you want to make war in Kenya or I mean violence, you can come first to South Sudan and see the impact of conflict, what it has done to me, torn down my neighbours, my diocese and my country. Where you’ll see all the services you people are enjoying here are difficult because war and conflict have happened in my country. We have a huge number of orphans and many other things. So, come first and see, if you can see the result of the war in South Sudan as a victorious and nice thing, then you can say, okay, these are the needs they are enjoying because they have a war,” alluded Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, South Sudan, in an interview with CISA on July 21.
Bishop Kussala was referencing the protracted civil conflict in South Sudan compounded by economic woes and drought, which according to Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, has caused massive displacement, raging violence and dire food shortages with over seven million people, about two-thirds of the population, in need of humanitarian aid.
Bishop Kussala opined that South Sudan relies heavily on Kenya; economically and socially and that lasting peace in Kenya is the herald of joy and stability in his country.
“You Kenya, you are important to us in South Sudan and our agreements of peace are always signed in your country. Most of the activities we do are in your country. And we see your place as a beacon of peace. Do not opt for any violence. From South Sudan, we pray for you to have a peaceful election,” said the Chancellor of the Catholic University of South Sudan and council member of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi.
Bishop Kussala intimated that Kenyans should go and vote peacefully and thereafter accept the results and if either side of the opposing parties is dissatisfied with the results of the elections, then they should seek redress in the courts according to the laws and regulations of the land.
“If any complaint is written genuinely within the confines of the law, let them accept the results for the sake of peace, without looking to violence in any way. Resolving to violence won’t help you as a people,” advised the South Sudan prelate.
Bishop Kussala also called for peace during and after the elections saying “please hold your country, it is beautiful. Hold for peace and the word is peace, also, respect each other. We are praying for you. Be proud of your nation. Be proud of this moment of election. For all the candidates, whoever will be listening and those who will be voting put God first, put Kenya first because it is bigger than all of you.”
Bishop Kussala appealed to the people of Kenya and leaders at large to make this election “a historical step and give this country to the next generation in the right way.”
Bishop Kussala appealed to the people of Kenya and leaders at large to make this election “a historical step and give this country to the next generation in the right way.”
Kenyans will head to the polls on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, to elect the president, governors, senators, members of parliament, women representatives and members of county assemblies.
