Religious leaders in Embu have challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure it delivers a free, fair and credible election during the August general elections.
The clerics said the poll agency has in the past been in the eye of a storm over disputed elections that has plunged the country into chaos and bloodbath.
“All eyes are on IEBC and Kenyans expect nothing short of free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections,” said ACK St. Paul Cathedral Embu Bishop David Muriithi.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interdenominational service with political aspirants vying for various seats in the county, said the electoral body had a chance to redeem its name by ensuring the elections will be authentic.
National Council of Churches (NCCK) Embu County chairman Bishop Njeru Nyaga implored all those seeking various seats in the August 9 election to accept the election outcome so as to maintain peace after the elections.
He urged all aspirants seeking office to desist from using vulgar language that can polarize the country now that the campaign period has started.
The clerics also urged politicians to cease inciting the youths and the public saying that they will recommend barring leaders from being elected by Embu residents if they will be found engaging in incitement.
Embu gubernatorial aspirant Cecily Mbarire urged the IEBC to effectively play its role in the August 9 election by ensuring that they conduct a free and transparent election process.
“We are here to assert our commitment to peace, to assert our commitment to a free and fair election and also to urge the IEBC to be fully prepared and make sure that they give impartial elections to all the leaders in the country,” said Mbarire.
Manyatta Member of Parliament aspirant Morris Nyaga welcomed the move by the clerics to recommend baring leaders who would be found inciting the youths and the public from being elected.
Full Gospel Churches of Mount Kenya South Dr. Bishop Samuel Nginyyi urged the government to ensure that those politicians threatening to form resistance movement in Kenya are dealt with accordingly since the formation of the resistance movement would polarise the country leading to peace destabilization.
The clerics called on Embu residents and especially the politicians to maintain peace so as to ensure there is a peaceful transition as the county heads to the August 9 election.
