Catholic Bishops Call for a Truce Between President Ruto and Raila

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has pleaded with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition to suspend the ongoing anti-government protests.

Through its Chairman Martin Musonde, the KCCB said the demonstrations have resulted in mayhem and unrest, putting the lives of Kenyans at risk.

The clergymen similarly called for the suspension of the prayer meetings frequently held by the government, saying such gatherings have been misused by politicians.

"Indeed, there will be no goodwill in pursuing a violent path or a path of revenge by using such gatherings," read the statement.

The bishops further called for a truce between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, urging the two leaders to prioritize the interests of the nation and its citizens.

"We urge all our leaders, specifically our President and Hon. Raila Odinga, and all their advisors, that for the love we have for our country, and for the love and respect of those who have suffered, lost lives, and for the love of God whose places of worship have been desecrated, to stop for a moment, from pushing the conflict any further. This conflict is being driven by the political class. It will never favor the common man," they added.

The clerics also urged police officers to execute their mandate peacefully and without coercion, adding that they should arrest those involved in acts of violence during protests.

"Dear Kenyans, we must decide now or face the consequences of selfish political interests! Our political class seems empty of ideas to offer to their political parties and groupings."