Nyanza bishop urges Azimio supporters to ensure protests are peaceful
South Nyanza Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese bishop, John Orina has petitioned Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya leaders and supporters to embrace peaceful protests.
The bishop challenged the protesters to shun attacking rivals, destroying peoples’ properties and looting shops, saying, it will fuel conflicts between them and law enforcers.
He implored the Azimio leaders, led by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga to present petitions to relevant government offices to enable them address the plight of Kenyans.
“People have a right to demonstrate but they have to be organized and peaceful so that they do not interfere with the lives and properties of other people,” Orina told People Daily Digital at his office.
The prelate challenged Kenyans who take part in the demonstrations to be careful not to trespass into State House, saying it is a protected area and should be respected.
He said Kenyans are free to demonstrate in the streets and air their grievances, noting, if they invade protected areas, they will clash with security agents and cause more problems.
Bishop Orina also asked leaders to avoid making reckless statements which could incite Kenyans against each other, cause tension and divide Kenyans along tribal lines.
"I specifically urge Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua to weigh his words before he speaks so that they do not inflame the country,” Orina said.
Elsewhere, Samson Oyondi Momanyi, a former presidential aspirant, has appealed to Odinga to involve other presidential hopefuls before he organizes mass demonstrations.
Terming the demonstrations untimely, Oyondi asked the former Prime Minister to give president Ruto’s government three years to address challenges facing Kenyans, saying he inherited a poor economy and needs time to fix it.
“The election was over. We want the president to be given ample time to serve Kenyans,” Oyondi said, adding that protests will not solve the country’s problems.
He also lauded the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP), Noordin Haji for dropping charges against former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’I, claiming the charges were politically instigated.
