CIPK chairman Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa at a past media briefing. He was warned political leaders against inciting Kenyans. Photo/ the-star.co.ke
The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has called upon politicians across the nation to refrain from making remarks that are likely to trigger violence as the next general election inches closer. Addressing Journalists at the council’s offices in Mombasa on Thursday, CIPK chairman Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said utterances by some of the leaders seeking various elective posts in the forthcoming polls are inciteful and may cause chaos. Khalifa pointed an accusing finger at some leaders who are taking advantage of religion and tribe to cause division among Kenyans as we head to the polls. “There is a group of politicians who claim to be religious and tribal sympathizers with an aim of creating a gap amongst the Kenyans,” said Kahlaifa, as quoted by Baraka FM. He also asked National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to include the use of abusive language among factors that can lead to political hatred.He further expressed his concerned over the increasing number of Kenyans who are rallying behind leaders known for making inciting remarks. “Some people have become hard core fans of some politicians being misused to propel violence and divide the country on political and political grounds,” he said. The chairman also said no religious group is ready to condone leaders making inciting remarks in rallies and interviews. “No religious group will tolerate incitements that aim at propelling violence,” added Khalifa, as quoted by the daily.