By Kevin Sang, Eldoret
In a significant step towards fostering peace and unity in Kenya, leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and Islamic religious leaders (SUPKEM) convened in Eldoret today.
The joint meeting, held at Eldoret RCEA Conference Centre, aimed to develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen peace in the North Rift region and the nation as a whole.
The North Rift Region, historically plagued by ethnic tensions and violence, has witnessed a resurgence of peaceful coexistence in recent years. However, the leaders acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to ensure lasting peace and stability.
During the meeting, religious leaders emphasized the pivotal role they play in promoting harmony and reconciliation. They urged all religious leaders to be at the forefront of preaching peace and unity, recognizing their responsibility in uniting the people and fostering national development.
“Religious leaders have a unique influence on their communities,” said Reverend Joseph Watila, who is the NCCK Chairperson in Uasin Gishu County. “We must use our voices to promote understanding, tolerance, and forgiveness.”
In a separate appeal, the leaders called upon President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to engage in dialogue and resolve any existing differences. They stressed the importance of unity among leaders for the benefit of the citizens.
“The country is facing numerous challenges, and it is imperative that our leaders work together to address them,” said Sheikh Abdulrahman Hussein Bini, a prominent Islamic scholar. “We must put aside our differences and focus on what unites us.”
The meeting comes at a time when Kenya is striving to overcome historical divisions and build a more peaceful and prosperous nation. The collective efforts of religious leaders and government officials are seen as crucial in achieving these goals.
As the leaders concluded their meeting, they expressed their commitment to continue working together to promote peace and reconciliation in Kenya. They called upon all Kenyans to embrace unity, tolerance, and forgiveness, and to work towards building a brighter future for the nation
