Eldoret Catholic Bishop Cornelius Korir has asked Kenyan leaders to use President Barrack Obama’s visit for the benefit of Kenyans.
Addressing reporters from his office in Eldoret on Wednesday, Korir said that the visit by Obama should be used for the benefit and development of Kenyans.
Korir cautioned politicians and leaders against personalising the visit and using it for their self-interests.
“It is good that the US President is coming to Kenya and we expect our leaders to use the opportunity to market our country positively and also seek support on issues like corruption and terrorism,” he said.
Korir said that Kenya is grappling with many challenges that need to be addressed and that the US President’s visit should be used to seek solutions. He cited insecurity and corruption which he said needs urgent address.
He at the same time said that Obama is free to talk on anything but should not impose his ideas on Kenyans especially on same sex marriage.
“Let him speak of what he wants but he should not impose or force his ideas on Kenyans,” he said.
The US President is expected in the country on Friday for the sixth Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).
Obama is also expected to hold bilateral talks with President Kenyatta with terrorism and economic growth as major issues on the agenda.
At the same time, Korir called for accountability in use of public resources at the national and county levels saying that accountability and transparency will ensure that Kenyans access services.
The bishop said that leaders at the national and county government levels must be accountable to Kenyans.
Korir raised concerns saying that reports by the Auditor General shows massive misuses of public resources at the county levels.
He asked Kenyans to be active and get to know what is happening at their respective counties in terms of resource allocation and use.
Korir said that the church cannot keep quiet on such matters adding that the church must speak against some of the evils.