Leaders aspiring for various positions in 2022 have been asked to use their platforms to maintain peace.
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo called on leaders to spread love and harmony.
Speaking during the family service at Holy Family Basilica on Sunday, Anyolo said leaders should be concerned about one another.
“Politics is not meant for tearing each other, it’s about building the nation and the people to be one,” Anyolo said.
He urged voters to choose God-fearing politicians that will lead them towards religion.
“We want leaders who will respect the voters, who are honest and can help Kenyans,” he said.
Anglican Churches of Kenya and the Roman Catholic church barred politicians from speaking in church services and events.
The leadership said allowing politics in church overrides ministering.
After this ban, politicians changed the tricks.
Deputy President William Ruto made no political utterances on Sunday, September 19, when called to address a church congregation.
Instead, he took to the pulpit to announce his charity work.
The Bishop demystified the perceptions that surround Kenyan leaders and citizens saying they are good people.
“Kenyans are called corrupt but we are not, we are good people, maybe because of how we talk and the criticisms we make,” he said.
He called on the aspirants to put God first.
This, he said will allow people to choose leaders who are approved and led by God.
He said the church will play a role in promoting free and fair elections next year.
Anyolo was appointed by Pope Francis to take over from John Cardinal Njue, who had served as the Archbishop of Nairobi since 2007.
Bishop Anyolo served at the Kisumu Archdiocese since November 15, 2018.
Anyolo, 65, was installed by Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Mana Van Megan.
After Cardinal Njue’s retirement, the Archdiocese of Nairobi has been under the guidance of the Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau.
Kamau served as the Apostolic Administrator since January 4, 2021.
Bishop Anyolo hails from Tongaren, Bungoma, and was ordained a priest on October 15, 1983.
He was installed the bishop of Kericho diocese on December 6, 1995, and was later transferred to the Homa Bay Diocese on May 23, 2003.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
