The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged President William Ruto to reach out the opposition for dialogue in a bid to forestall the escalation of ongoing protests.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, NCCK called an end to adversarial politics to tackle challenged facing the nation.
“Your Excellency (Ruto), as a symbol of national unity, we ask you to focus the nation’s attention on oneness, equity and equality of all Kenyans,” NCCK stated.
“It is of essence that you take leadership in reaching out to the opposition to promote dialogue for the betterment of the nation as the challenges we are facings as the nation require national conversations and not adversarial politics.”
The religious leaders also urged the opposition party led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to adopt an issue-based and solution-oriented approach or risk being seen as champions of anarchy.
They called the opposition to propose viable solutions to ameliorate the immense suffering Kenyans are experiencing.
“We urge the opposition to reconsider the proposed mass action programme and instead embrace dialogue and other peaceful approaches that do not threaten the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans,” the council stated.
The NCCK called upon Kenyans to firmly resist political and social leaders who drive divisions and bitterness and embrace those who focus on developing solutions for the challenges the country is facing.
NCCK’s statement came amid pockets of protests across the country following Odinga’s call for mass action.
