Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- Polling stations open in Kenya today, 8 August, for presidential and political elections. Some 19.6 million voters are called to elect a new parliament and a Head of State and to choose between outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta and his all-time rival, Raila Odinga.
Reports sent to Fides say the voting proceeds calmly with voters in long orderly lines in front of the booths,
On the eve of the vote the local Catholic Church had organised seminars to give instructions to the people on how to take part peacefully in the elections. In particular the Justice, Peace and Caritas department of AMECEA (Association of Members Bishops’ Conferences of East Africa), held seminars for priests and religious, laypersons active in parishes and catechists encouraging them to take part in initiatives of peace building and to spread Catholic Church social teaching on forms of good governance. Participants included 400 pastoral workers.
A novena of prayer for peaceful elections organised by Bishops of Kenya ended yesterday 7 August. (see Fides 31/7/2017). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/8/2017)
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