KENYA: Embrace Dialogue for peaceful co-existence, Bishops urge President Kenyatta
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), have called on Kenyan President, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, to continue reaching out to the opposition leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and other political leaders so as to create a forum for dialogue and discuss the best way forward for peaceful co-existence of Kenyans.
In his message during the national prayer day held on 7th, 0ctober, 2017, at the National Marian Shrine in Subukia, KCCB Chairman and the Bishop of Homabay Rt. Rev Philip Anyolo implored President Uhuru’s wisdom as the Head of State to take the lead in healing the Nation and uniting the Country which has been split along political lines.
“As you may be aware, the aftermath of the General Elections has threatened and affected the peace and harmony of our Nation. In that breath, we appeal to Your Excellency to continue reaching out to the Opposition and other Political Leaders,” he said
Bishop Anyolo however, expressed gratitude to President Kenyatta, for honouring their invitation to pray for peace and national integration during this year’s National Pilgrimage with the theme: “Peace in the Family, Peace in our Country and hope for our Youth.” He equally thanked the Bishops, the Clergy, the Religious Brothers and Sisters and all the Lay Faithful for coming together to pray for the Nation that Peace, Justice and harmony may continue to prevail at all times.
He said that, peace is the first gift that Jesus gave to His disciples after the Resurrection. “As believers, we are called upon to have the assurance that comes from Christ Himself as St. Paul reminds us: ‘‘For Christ Himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people’’ (Ephesians 2: 14).”
Rt. Rev. Anyolo reminded Kenyans that they have an obligation to live as one people regardless of ethnicity, colour, religion, region or background, for Jesus is our Peace. “That is to say, Peace with God, Peace with others and Peace with oneself, remembering that, Peace begins with you and me as Mahatma Ghandi said: “Be the change you want to see”. As we pray for peace in our families and Country, let us be the authentic agents and messengers of peace following our Lord and Master,” He said
He urged Kenyans to keep praying for peace and to preach peace as the Country move towards a fresh Presidential Election slated for 26th of October this year.
Archbishop of Kisumu,
He was the Main Celebrant
during this Year’s National
Prayer Day at Subukia Shrine
“Standing on this Holy Ground of our National Marian Shrine, we pray for our families and young people, so that, like the family of Nazareth where Jesus grew up, they too may be the cradle where peace is brewed and served to all the members. As you know, when there is peace and justice right from the family, then spontaneously our Country will enjoy peace, national co-existence and integration,” he said
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisumu Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth who was the main celebrant during the National Prayer Day at Subukia Shrine said, “We entrusted the Country into the hands of our Lady Queen of Peace, especially in these moments that the political temperatures are rising, praying that, the forthcoming Presidential Election may be free, fair and credible for Kenyans to get a Leader of their choice.”
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