By Wesley Omondi
MALINDI, OCTOBER 5, 2024 (CISA) — Religious leaders in Malindi have urged President William Samoei Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua to resolve their differences for the sake of national peace.
During the World Peace Day celebrations in Malindi, religious leaders led by Fr Ambrose Muli of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, called on the country’s leadership to align and focus on national unity rather than internal feuds that risk paralyzing the government in regards to the ongoing impeachment motion against the Deputy President.
The current fallout between President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua echoes the infamous conflict between the former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then Deputy, Ruto, during their second term in office. Their strained relationship resulted in a deeply divided government, culminating in Ruto’s exit from the inner circle and his eventual campaign against Kenyatta’s chosen successor, Raila Odinga. The political landscape in Kenya has long been marked by rivalries between leaders holding the country’s top positions, creating an environment where internal disputes are often played out in public, further destabilizing the nation.
In an address to the media, Fr Muli, urged the President and his Deputy to set aside their differences and work towards unity, stating that their conflict only deepens the suffering of the public. He further appealed to members of parliament to focus on legislations that promote unity, rather than being swayed by divisive politics.
“We pray for peace and harmony in our country, and we call upon the President and his Deputy to align for the greater good of Kenya. The public is the one paying the price for their disagreements,” stated Fr Muli.
Similarly, Massoud Abubakar, a member of the Community Action Partnership of Kenya (CAPK), emphasized the importance of collaboration among leaders for the growth and stability of the nation. Abubakar prayed for the president and his deputy to find a common ground that would prevent further disruption to government operations.
“We are praying for peace in our leadership, and we urge all leaders to come together for the sake of Kenya’s development. Only by working together can we achieve growth and prosperity,” he said.
The rift between Ruto and Gachagua has not only drawn public concern but also threatens the stability of the ruling party, with factions emerging in support of each leader. The impeachment motion , currently at the public participation stage is seen as a culmination of months of simmering tension between the two leaders, with their relationship increasingly becoming a subject of political speculation. Should the motion progress, it could lead to a dramatic shift in the country’s leadership dynamics, potentially destabilizing the government even further.
The intervention of religious leaders is seen as a timely reminder of the critical role that unity plays in ensuring peace and development. As Kenya faces numerous challenges, including economic recovery and social unrest, the call for peace and collaboration among its top leaders is more important than ever. With the public keenly watching the unfolding political drama, the hope remains that dialogue and compromise will prevail, steering the country away from a political crisis that could have far-reaching consequences.
