The push to reconcile President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto has gained momentum with a bishop from the Rift valley expressing optimism he two can still reunite ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Bishop Alfred Rotich of Kericho diocese asked President Kenyatta to stop being rigid and have a "magnanimous heart" while Ruto humbles himself before his boss for a breakthrough to be achieved.
Bishop Rotich said for as long as the President and the DP continue holding hard line positions, the planned reunion will remain a pipe dream, which is perilous to the tranquility of the country.
“I am confident a second handshake will happen before the next polls between these two leaders. But this will only be realized if he (Ruto) humbles himself considering he is going for the top seat and the President softens his stance on the matter,” Rotich said at Tegat parish in Bomet East on Saturday.
He called on the duo to put their selfish interests aside for the sake of Kenyans, saying a peaceful coexistence before and after the elections is paramount.
The clergyman further stated that the Catholic Church through its Peace and Justice Commission will continue striving to see the two and other warring factions united.
Rotich also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to involve religious leaders and the media and during the electioneering period as they are crucial in preaching peace among communities.
He cautioned against falling into what he termed as lies and hate messages being propagated by politicians pursuing political ambitions.
“This is the moment to partner with the media to air messages of peace. Let our platforms be occupied by people preaching peace. Let us set the agenda for politicians and not the other way round,” he said.