March 19, 2024

Bishop Kalu: Let’s Reject Leaders Preaching Anarchy

Retired Bishop Julius Katoi Kalu (Photo/Courtesy)

Johnson Mwadime

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

An eminent Anglican cleric has warned politicians for allegedly engaging in divisive utterances that can perpetuate hatred among Kenyans.

Bishop Emeritus Julius Katoi Kalu said the church and Kenyans at large expect politicians to tolerate each other and educate their supporters to do the same.

The recent incidents where supporters of certain contenders have disrupted activities of the rival leaders are unfortunate and unacceptable. 

Bishop Kalu reminded the leaders that nowhere in our constitution is bickering and name calling permitted. It behoves that all parties conduct themselves with decorum, he said.

The revered bishop was addressing congregants at ACK Memorial Cathedral in Mombasa on November 21.

“We call upon Kenyans of all walks of life to exhibit tolerance and respect before, during and after the General Election. We should be a cultured society where we must coexist,” he said adding:

“We have been dismayed with the reckless utterances by the politicians and the violence among their supporters. This is not good for our country as we head towards elections. There is no other to way to peace, peace is the way. If we are to live happily and comfortably.”

The clerk told peace and patriotic Kenyans to shun leaders who who tend to incite violence rather than articulate their visions for development. 

At the same the cleric said politicians who want to take Kenyans for a ride would be out for rude shock as people are more enlightened than they assume. 

“Kenyan generation the 21st century is different from the generation born in the 60s and 70s. They are not only intellectual s but also are capable of measuring the practicality of numerous promises that politicians are making in rallies,” he noted.

Kalu further urged Kenyans to vet presidential candidates and others seeking different elective positions based on their development track and other parameters including the integrity background.

“We should seize this electioneering period to critically examine the quality of leaders we are going to elect to avoid previous mistakes. We all understand the challenges our country is facing and thus require the right people to steer us out to the right direction,” he added.

At the same time, Bishop Kalu called for enhanced security across the country saying the public expect the country’s territorial borders to be secured from possible threats of terrorists.

Kenyans attending a political Rally 9Photo/ Courtesy)

Road carnage

The ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral Church also prayed for victims of road accidents including families who lost their loved ones in road accidents.

The prayer is part of this year’s event to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with Bishop Kalu urging motorists to observe rules and regulations to avoid loss of lives and destruction.

He also urged the police not to compromise in ensuring relevant traffic laws are strictly implemented in the country to safeguard safety of passengers and motorists.

“We call on our law enforcement agencies to do away with cases of corruption that have compromised the safety of road users in the country,” he added.

The clergy called upon government agencies including Kenya National Highway Authority to improve the quality of roads and remove rogue contractors engaged in substandard workmanship.

“Some of the accidents that have claimed lives of innocent Kenyans have been attributed to poor road constructions. We call upon agencies supervising the construction work to ensure quality is not compromised.”

Kalu further called for removal of unroadworthy Public Service Vehicles (PSV) and private ones operating in the country in order to improve the safety of commuters.

“Let us also respect other road users like pedestrians. Counties should ensure walkways, zebra crossing and other road signs are clearly marked. Bumps should be erected at the appropriate places to avoid accidents,” he added.

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