The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has raised concerns over increased negative ethnicity across the country ahead of the August 8, general elections.
NCCK North Rift region officials have further challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) as well as the police to up their game and ensure those spreading ethnicity face the full force of the law.
Speaking to the press in Eldoret, the officials led by chairman Alfred Sagala, moderator Geofrey Songok of Reformed Church of East Africa and ACK North Rift Presiding Bishop Christopher Ruto, also asked Kenyans to shun politicians who are out to divide them on ethnic lines.
"As church leaders we are concerned that negative ethnicity is rife in the country which we fear might lead to conflict especially now that we are headed to the general elections," said Sagala.
The leaders from six North Rift counties further condemned the manner in which recent party nominations were held saying they were full of voter bribery, intimidation and violence.
They urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct future party primaries.
"We also want the IEBC to strengthen their elections preparedness so that the August 8th elections will be free and fair," noted Songok.
[NCCK North Rift officials chairman Alfred Sagala (C), Moderator Geofrey Songok of Reformed Church of East Africa (R) and ACK North Rift Presiding Bishop Christopher Ruto, addressing the press at their offices in Eldoret, May 02, 2017. Photo/Hivisasa.com]