Society is challenging the clergy to take up leadership roles in the management of communal projects in a bid to curb politicisation of utility services in the counties for better livelihoods.
Nakuru Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Joseph Muchai wants meticulously vetted men of cloth to participate in development of their areas of jurisdiction instead of watching from the periphery as citizens wallow in poverty due to poor services rendered by self-centered elected leaders.
He was speaking on Saturday in Lanet Division where he commissioned a communal water borehole and a bitumen plant sponsored by Arid Lands Construction Company projects that are anticipated to alleviate years of suffering among area citizens.
"The church is a neutral pivot point upon which communal projects should depend on in the quest to satisfy interests of the majority while uniting all citizens on common development fronts," said Muchai.
His sentiments come just months after citizens accused some members of Parliament and the County Assembly in Nakuru of politicising projects funded by public funds entrusted with them.
They said some elected leaders were denying their opponents and their supporters’ access to utility services such as water funded by kitties under them, a move that has led to some flagship projects stalling or closed denying residents services.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri who was present echoed Bishop Muchai`s sentiments and asked residents of Nakuru County to interrogate track records of incumbent office bearers.
"The clergy should help citizens identify the leaders who will be responsive to a common development vision of citizens," he said.
"The church`s essential role is charting a wholesome development agenda to a prosperous mankind,” he said.
Kimani advised the clergy to take up a leading role in the critical process of implementing the constitution for all Kenyans to benefit from their universal rights as conferred to them by law.