Pope Francis Prays for Kenya

Pope Francis on Sunday said he is paying close attention to the current political climate in Kenya and the tensions as the country heads to the repeat presidential election next week, and asked the faithful to join him in praying for the country.

Pope Francis called for constructive dialogue for the search of common good.

“I ask you to join my prayer for peace in the world. I am paying close attention in these days to Kenya, which I visited in 2015, and for which I pray, that the whole country might be able to face the current difficulties in a climate of constructive dialogue, having at heart the search for the common good,” Pope Francis told pilgrims and tourists during the Angelus prayer on Sunday.

Kenyans head to the polls on Thursday for the repeat presidential election, following the nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win in the August 8th general election by the Supreme Court.

The NASA coalition led by Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka  has said it will not participate in the election, and has told its supporters not to turn up for the vote.

On Sunday, Raila Odinga said he will not challenge Uluru’s win in the Supreme Court should Uhuru be declared the winner of the October 26th election, but that Raila will not recognize Uhuru’s victory as legitimate (READ: Raila: I Won't Recognize Uhuru's October 26th Victory).