A voting exercise during a past election. Photo/KASS WEEKLY
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has expressed concerns that the country could be plunged into chaos after the August 8 general election.
The Commission for Ecumenism chairman Alfred Rotich cautioned that hate speech and inciting remarks made by politicians during political rallies could lead to ethnic animosity culminating in a post-election acrimony, the Star has reported.
“This year, depending on how the election process is conducted, there is a great potential to plunge our country back into violent conflict as witnessed in 2007-08,” he said Tuesday during a media briefing.“It is, therefore, important to put in place efforts so that the past gains in regards to political stabilisation and democratisation are not eroded," he added.
He further challenged the clergy not to take political sides, observing that measures have been put in place to ensure that churches do not provide the platform for politicking.
“Bishops and priests are advised not to campaign for any candidate or party. We are alert that there may be one or two priests who have engaged in political issues. We will train our priests,” he said.