Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- “Violence as a form of mobilisation is unacceptable for the stability and prosperity of our country”. This statement was made by Bishop John Nuje, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Kenya, who denounced the atmosphere of violence in the electoral campaign for presidential elections in December, according to CISA new agency in Nairobi. “We appeal to all political parties and party leaders to exercise maximum moderation during the delicate electoral campaign period” said Bishop Nuje.
The latest episode was 22 September when three members of the Opposition were injured by the launching of stones and arrows when they arrived uninvited at a fund collecting gathering organised by supporters of the President in a rural area of the western district of Kisii. The three men are supporters of Raila Odinga, the main rival of the president in office Mwai Kibaki, who is running for a second mandate.
On 21 September in Nairobi in a ceremony at which the head of state was present the religious leaders of Kenya launched a national peace-building initiative.
“It is shameful that when there are cases of violence, it is the young people who are used by politicians as tools for this dirty and dangerous work” said the president of the Bishops' Conference. “This is unacceptable and should be condemned on all sides”.
The same thing was affirmed by Bishop Mugambi of the diocese of Meru, in his homily during a special National Mass for young people, celebrated in Nairobi. “Too often politicians trick young people, paying them to sow chaos in political rallies, as part of their electoral campaign. I appeal to you to not let this happen”.
The president of the Bishops' Justice and Peace Commission, Bishop Peter Kairo, called for non-violence during the electoral campaign: “As we enter the electoral period we call for calm., tolerance and respect for the law. May the political actors place peace before their own personal interests ”.
In the presidential elections in December outgoing President Kibaki challenges Raila Odinga, his former ally, now leader of the Opposition. Odinga, seen as a charismatic leader at the head of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has the support of his own Luo tribe in western Kenya.
President Kibaki presents himself as the candidate of a new political alliance, National Unity Party. Kibaki, elected in 2002 to lead the alliance, no longer has his own party which dissolved last year.
Kibaki's campaign in centred on the continuation of his present policies: free primary education, healthcare and improvement of roads and infrastructures. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 26/9/2007 righe 34 parole 463)
