ITEN JULY 18, 2017(CISA)-Bishop Cornelius Korir, Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops-Justice and Peace Commission(CJPC) has called on Kenyans to exercise tolerance towards presidential aspirants irrespective of their political affiliations.
Speaking in Iten during Sing’ore Girls high School Golden Jubilee celebrations on July 14, the Bishop condemned recent cases of violence witnessed during campaign stops by presidential aspirants in Kisumu, Baringo and Thika towns terming them dangerous to peaceful and credible elections.
“Let us respect leaders. What we are witnessing now is akin to preparing supporters for war. Let us be mature in our politics,” the Star Newspaperquoted the bishop as saying July 14.
He further urged political leaders to restrain their supporters from causing instability and cautioned them against interfering with the work of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We will be heading in the wrong direction as a country if political parties will not be cautious…politicians should focus on vote hunting and leave IEBC alone. The commission is an independent body,” he said.
He urged the commission to prepare adequately and give Kenyans a free and fair election on August 8.
On July 13, religious leaders from different faiths in Kenya urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to clamp down on individuals perpetrating hate speech and violence.
The inspector General of Police warned on July 17 that the security forces are ready and anyone with intention of causing violence will be dealt with accordingly.
“If violence occurs, then we have to stop it and it means we will use slightly more force than that used by those causing violence,” he said.
