Anglican Church of Kenya Katakwa Diocese Bishop John Okude has told leaders vying for various seats in Busia to stop dividing the County along ethnic lines. Speaking at St James Malaba Church when he presided over a confirmation mass for over 50 youths, Bishop Okude said the aspirants need prayers to enable them to spread the message of peace and forgiveness.
“There is a big problem. Already the issue of tribalism is emerging in the County because of politics. Party affiliations and positions should not make us start fighting each other and promoting ethnicity. Instead of inciting communities to start hating each other, politicians should use good language and unite the communities instead of dividing them. Busia and the tribes living in the County are all ours, thus the need for peaceful co-existence,” he said.
Bishop Okude wondered why some Christians had opted to join the bandwagon of politicians by engaging in fights and inciting others to violence. He said the consequences of such actions would take them nowhere. He told the youth to maintain their dignity in Christianity instead of being used by politicians who later dump them. “In the end, you will return to your parents with myriad problems. Be yourself and make informed choices.”
Bishop Okude sympathized with Christians who spend most of their valuable time seeking for handouts from politicians and end up getting peanuts like Sh50 for a whole day while those who are given money to share with the others end up being beaten.
Rev. Okude said that he also faces trying moments while driving. “My black vehicle resembles that of a politician. I am being stopped several times by people who think I am one of the philanthropic aspirants,” he said, adding that bribes have killed Christians.
“Let money given out by politicians not influences our voting pattern. We might end up getting poor leaders for the next five years if we rely on inducements. This brings embarrassment and poverty.
The Bishop cautioned aspirants who have scrapped through in the nominations that it does not guarantee them automatic tickets, adding that the journey is still long.