Bishop Emanuel Lewa of World Christian Professional Ministry addressing a press conference in Mombasa. [Photo/ Victor Wanaswa]
Religious leaders in Mombasa have called on Kenyans to pray for peace and unity ahead the repeat presidential election scheduled for October 26, 2017. The clerics, who addressed journalists in Mombasa said Kenyans should pray for peaceful and credible elections. The leaders have also urged the NASA coalition to suspend the anti-IEBC demonstrations, arguing they could create more conflict and uncertainty ahead of the crucial repeat poll. Led by Bishop Emmanuel Lewa of World Christian Professional Ministry, the clergy asked NASA and Jubilee to hold talks in a bid to avert political crisis.Bishop Lewa said national cohesion and integration is paramount if the country is to make meaningful progress, and called political protagonists to put the nation’s interest ahead of theirs. “We have come together as Christian and Muslim leaders to urge Kenyans to choose peace over violence,” said Lewa. He said as religious leaders, they have a special role to play as agents of peace and reconciliation and in ensuring that Kenya becomes a peaceful and prosperous nation. On his part Sheikh Juma Omar of Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council said Kenyans should not tire in praying for peaceful elections. He wondered why the opposition was pressing ahead with their daily anti-IEBC protests despite NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga withdrawing from the polls.Sheikh Omar said the street protests will interfere with the realization of a free, fair and credible electoral process.On her part, Msalama Athman urged the opposition to call off the protests, arguing that women and children are the ones who bear the brunt of violence.She said the opposition and the government should dialogue in a bid to solve the current political stalemate.