Church: Don’t vote for divorcees or candidates from broken families
Religious leaders in Central region have advised Kenyans not to vote for candidates with broken marriages and those who have had corruption scandals in the past.
The statement was made by the central regional committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) during a press briefing in Nyeri town as they gave a checklist of the leaders should vote for.
The committee represented clergy from Embu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia and Nyandarua counties.
Chair of the committee Bishop Julius Karanu said that among the qualities that Kenyans should look for in leaders is a stable family.
“Vote for a man or woman who endeavors to have a stable family, for that is the foundation of society,” said Bishop Karanu.
REJECT DRUNKARDS
The committee further emphasized on the issue of integrity urging the electorate to reject any candidate who has had corruption scandals in past posts.
“Refuse to vote for anyone who has had a scandal when handling public funds or property,” the clergyman said.
Integrity has been a contentious matter ahead of next month’s election with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) being put on the spot on several for clearing candidates accused of corruption in the past.
The clergy said that it will eventually come down to Kenyans and urged them to vote leaders of integrity. The NCCK committee in the checklist they issued also told voters to reject drunkards, quarrelsome, greedy and violent leaders.
“The Bible says that leaders should not take alcohol or else they will forget the law and oppress the people,” said Bishop Karanu.
REMAIN SOBER
Meanwhile, National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) held a youth sensitization forum at Kabiru-ini Stadium in Nyeri urging them to remain sober during the elections.
Nacada chairman Lt Col (Rtd) Julius Githiria said that the meeting was part of national wide programme geared at educating youth to remain peaceful and sober during and after the polls.
“We are urging the youth to remain sober and shun politicians who give out handouts and alcohol during the campaigns so that they make a sober decision during the elections,” said Lt Col (Rtd) Githiria.
The Nacada boss said that the forum dubbed Sauti 47 also aimed at preaching peace among the youth who are most prone to incitement from leaders.
