Clerics and traders in Kiambu have pleaded with President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga to embrace dialogue for the sake of the country’s peace and economy.
They say that truce between the two leaders will avert further destruction of property and ultimately further downfall of the country's economy.
Led by Bishop David Munyiri Thagana, the secretary-general of the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya, they said through dialogue, a permanent solution for social-economic and political challenges bedeviling the country can be achieved.
“We are pleading with our leaders to put the interests of Kenyans and the country first and agree to sit down and iron out their differences. The peace and tranquility that Kenya has enjoyed for decades is now at stake,” Thagana said.
Speaking during the International Leadership Institute conference in Ruiru, Kiambu county, that aims at mentoring young leaders into leadership for the country’s growth, the leaders urged the Azimio team to call off protests and seek alternative means of making their voices heard.
They noted with concern that the country has experienced enough wanton damage of property and a further destruction could cripple the country’s economy further, a situation that might result in a worse economic situation.
“Innocent Kenyans have lost their lives, others have been left nursing serious injuries and businesses have suffered huge losses. Our economy that was almost crippled by other factors including the Covid-19, the Ukraine-Russia war among others will now sink if this matter is not addressed promptly,” the bishop said.
They also called on the government to ensure they protect Kenyans and their properties during protests.
Former Mathioya MP and businessman Clement Wambugu who was present at the forum insisted on the need for a truce to save the country from being plunged into anarchy.
While appreciating that the country is facing harsh economic times, Wambugu maintained that with meaningful talks between the warring leaders, the country will be able to find lasting solutions.
Wambugu at the same time rooted for better structures in government to ensure that people who win or lose elections assume their positions without causing mayhem.
He at the same time condemned the increased damage of both public and private property by protestors urging them to seek alternative means of voicing their plight.
