Accept election results, clergy urge Ruto, Raila
Catholic bishops have asked leading presidential candidates to accept the outcome of the polls scheduled to be announced between today and tomorrow.
Deputy President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga are caught up in a close contest that has kept their supporters glued to the Bomas of Kenya, the national tallying centre.
The clergy, led by Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri, also asked Kenyans to accept the outcome of the elections with dignity as the contest can only yield one winner.
Muheria advised individuals who may be aggrieved by the results to seek redress in courts of law.
“This election process must end up with only one winner. We understand the disappointment that may arise if your candidate does not win. We have learned a good lesson from many candidates who have accepted such outcomes with dignity. If aggrieved, pursue redress and justice through the judicial process,” he said in a joint statement released in Nyeri yesterday.
“I want to urge Kenyans and specifically top presidential candidates to exercise civility by patiently waiting for verification of results. It is our turn as a nation to show our civility and restraint as IEBC conduct verification, we know they are the ones who will announce results and in any case of dispute, there is the justice system,” Muheria said.
He also warned youths against being misused by crafty politicians to cause chaos.
“To our youths, let us not be used to cause chaos show patriotism by patiently waiting for the outcome,” said Muheria.
Added: “Please do not be used to bring skirmishes or cause violence. The contenders have a way to solve any dissatisfaction in the process through the courts. We remind you that engaging in unlawful acts does not help in any way to build your future. Be wise and stay focused on building and protecting your future.”
However, Muheria urged IEBC to speed up the process in order to deal with tension and hard feelings that may arise due to long wait by the public and politicians.
“We as bishops understand the need for IEBC to be thorough in their work. However, they should do what it takes to ensure tension that is gripping the county is finished so that some may not have hard feelings,” Muheria said.
He urged Kenyans not to accept any form of incitement emanating from social media or unkind words saying that all will be well after the release of polls results.
The Nyeri Archbishop has also asked Kenyans to be wary of fake news being propagated through social media.
“There are people bent on causing unnecessary panic and confusion. We ask you to treat any suspicious or alarming text, image or video you receive on your social media sites with great caution especially those claiming to have results. Crosscheck any messages you doubt with mainstream media and await the IEBC verified results,” said Archbishop Muheria.
