NAIROBI JANUARY 13, 2017(CISA)-The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called for dialogue over the contentious election laws to ensure a peaceful and credible election in August this year.
In a press statement sent to CISA, January 11, the bishops urged the government and the opposition to put the interests of the country first to avoid a repeat of the 2007-2008 post election violence that claimed more than 1,000 lives and left over 600,000 people internally displaced.
“We wish to make a passionate appeal for sobriety to give dialogue a chance in order to reach consensus and harmonious resolution that embraces divergent views of all Kenyans,” read the statement signed by Bishop Philip Anyolo, KCCB chairman.
“We believe that dialogue is the way forward in order to reach mutual understanding and for the common good of all Kenyans,” the bishops added.
They noted that they are ready to mediate in “meaningful dialogue to ensure peaceful General Elections in August.”
“Compelled by our love for our country, Kenya, we your shepherds are ready to mediate and facilitate this process of dialogue in conjunction with other religious leaders and other people of good will,” the bishops said.
The opposition had called for a mass action on January 4, but later called it off after the Senate intervention.
They have since indicated that they will not go to the streets for the next 30 days and will instead use the time to mobilize their supporters to register as voters.
