More than five hundred religious leaders from the North Rift Region gathered at Murkwijit area in West Pokot County, as they prayed for peace and rain following the escalating insecurity and hunger in the country.
This comes as hundreds of residents face starvation and conflict witnessed in the region. The clergy said they are concerned about insecurity and hunger in the region, a situation which has never been witnessed before.
The leaders prayed for peace in the country, and urged pastoral communities to shun conflict and discrimination along tribal lines.
They urged politicians to hold peaceful campaigns in the country ahead of the August general elections. They said that they are worried that the country was heaing in the wrong direction.
Under the banner of Pokot Pastors Network,they called for calm in the region, asking residents in the North Rift to shun animosity with the neighboring communities.
The leaders observed that insecurity has greatly contributed to the region’s lagging behind in terms of development, adding that both religious and political leaders should help to forge unity.
Led by the Pokot Pastors Network Chairman Rev. Ronald Chumum ,the clergy vowed to preach and promote peace.
They promised to root out bad leadership and corruption in the region through public participation. “We don’t want a repeat of 2008. Political parties should shun violence,” said Chumum, “We as religious leaders represent everyone.
Deliverance Eldoret Church Bishop Meshack Madekwa urged political leaders to seek repentance and shun hate-driven politics.
They urged well wishers to help those who are affected by hunger. “Help the suffering mothers, children and the aged who are suffering,” he said.
Other leaders who attended the prayer meeting include West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo and former cabinet minister Samuel Poghisio, who called for unity and peace among residents.
Senator Lonyangapuo urged leaders from the neighboring counties to come together and preach peace in the region. “Turkana leaders should work with us to ensure peace prevails,” he said, “The clergy should also pray for political leaders.”