Clergy appeal for peace as political tensions spill into public gatherings
The Mt Kenya Times 
Religious leaders in Kisii County addressing the press have urged leaders to use public forums to discuss development priorities and offer practical solutions to challenges facing Kenyans instead of engaging in divisive politics. Photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
As political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the next election cycle, religious leaders in Kisii County are raising concern over the growing trend of politicians turning funerals and other public gatherings into political battlegrounds.
Instead of offering comfort to grieving families, they say, some leaders are using solemn occasions to exchange insults, attack rivals, and deepen political divisions an emerging culture the clergy warn could undermine peace and national cohesion.
Addressing the press in Kisii, Bishop Lawrence Nyanuga Omambia, President of the Pastors and Clergy Forum, urged politicians to exercise restraint and uphold respect whenever they attend public functions.
“Funerals are sacred moments for mourning, comforting families, and standing with communities in grief. They should never be turned into platforms for political attacks or personal insults,” Bishop Omambia said.
He noted that the increasing politicization of funerals and other social gatherings not only disrespects bereaved families but also fuels unnecessary political tension among citizens.
The bishop appealed to leaders across the political divide to embrace tolerance, dignity, and respectful engagement, regardless of their political affiliations.
Echoing the call, Pastor Nyabuto Nyamora criticized the growing use of slogans such as “one-term” and “second-term” to ridicule or intimidate political opponents.
“Leadership should be about presenting ideas and serving the people, not attacking competitors. Such statements only inflame political emotions and divert attention from the real issues affecting Kenyans,” he said.
The clergy emphasized that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support and campaign for the leader of their choice without fear, intimidation, or harassment.
They called on political leaders to promote issue-based campaigns anchored on policies and development rather than hostility and personal attacks.
Reverend Abel Onchari warned that if inflammatory political rhetoric continues unchecked, it could threaten peaceful coexistence and weaken the country’s social fabric.
“We must guard our words because leaders influence millions of people. Irresponsible statements have the potential to divide communities and create unnecessary conflict,” he cautioned.
The religious leaders also appealed to supporters of different political camps to remain calm and resist incitement, urging them to maintain peace even when political opinions differ.
Adding his voice to the appeal, Daniel Atella, Chairperson of the Council of Bishops and Apostles in Kisii County, reminded politicians that leadership is determined by the electorate and not by individuals claiming authority over voters’ choices.
“No one has the monopoly of deciding who should lead others. Every aspirant has the democratic right to seek votes from the public, and every Kenyan has the freedom to support the candidate of their choice. Let us conduct our campaigns with respect, humility, and civility,” Atella said.
The clergy reaffirmed the church’s commitment to fostering peace, reconciliation, and national unity, urging leaders to use public forums to discuss development priorities and offer practical solutions to challenges facing Kenyans instead of engaging in divisive politics.
As the country edges closer to another election season, the religious leaders called on politicians to remember that the legacy they leave will not be measured by the insults they traded but by the peace they helped preserve and the unity they inspired among the people.
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