The clergy has defended President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Azimio leader Raila Odinga over the August General election humiliation, calling on Kenyans to desist from heckling the outgoing head of state during William Ruto’s inauguration.
Speaking during a Sunday service on September 11 at All Saints Cathedral Provost, Dr Sammy Wainaina called on Kenyans to be graceful towards President Kenyatta as he hands over power to his deputy on Tuesday.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta equally remains our leader, even if his candidate lost the elections. He may not have been perfect to some, but he doesn’t serve heckling or insult. Those two leaders require respect and honour,” Wainaina stated
He further advised against heckling Uhuru saying the outgoing President deserves respect having led the country peacefully for the last ten years.
"Any small heckling would be distasteful and disastrous to us all. We just want President Kenyatta to be accorded the respect he deserves and to retire in peace. Those who have lost require love," Wanaina said
The clergy also defended Raila and other election losers from social media bullies maintaining that elections are a democratic exercise that should not be attached to personalities.
“Elections are at the core of our democracy and losing one doesn’t mean the leaders are failures. We cannot have winners without losers. Mr Odinga requires respect. He is our leader. He may not be the incoming president but he deserves respect,” Wainaina stated.
Dr Wainaina who always speaks his mind, also asked the incoming President William Ruto to focus on uniting Kenyans from all walks of life, as this will allow healing especially for those who lost.
“Our prayer for incoming President William Ruto is that he will be a president for all. We shall pray for him so that we shall be United,” said Wainaina.
Further, another group of clergy led Bishop for AGC Kenya Robert Langat asked President-elect William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza not to stifle the opposition but instead allow them conduct oversight role.
The clergy's remarks came in the wake of a sustained onslaught on Azimio by Ruto's team, with the incoming President going all out to poach leaders from Raila's camp ahead of his inauguration.
Ruto has been condemned by a section of leaders, including Azimio's Martha Karua who accused him of decimating the opposition for personal gain.
"It's good to unite Kenyans, but a country that does not have an opposition will not discharge its duties well," Langat said.
While Ruto continues with his charm offensive and poaching, he has ruled out any partnership with Odinga, commonly known as handshake, calling on the ODM leader to lead the opposition.
