Raila urges caution on judging others

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked the clergy and political leaders to guard against using religion to judge others June 7, 2011. FILE

By DAVE OPIYO
Posted  Tuesday, June 7 2011 at 11:51

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked the clergy and political leaders to guard against using religion to judge others.

The PM said a worrying trend was emerging in the country, where instead of questioning policies, politicians and church leaders were now questioning people’s policies, faith and cultures.

Worst still, he added, religion, like politics was becoming a dividing factor instead of bridging the divisions in the country.

“Increasingly, there is less civility in our political discourse, some of the venom spewed on fellow leaders fight from the pulpit or from the pews of the church. I ask myself why? How come?” posed the PM Tuesday.

“When men and women believe that based on their religious, they have a right to judge others then we tread a dangerous path."

He spoke a day after some representatives of the church accused Dr Willy Mutunga and Ms Nancy Baraza - the nominees for the positions of Chief Justice and Deputy - of supporting abortion and same-sex marriages.

They made the accusations on Monday during public hearings on the suitability of the two to hold the positions they had been nominated for at Nairobi’s County Hall.

Bishop David Oginde of the Nairobi Pentecostal Church said even though Mr Mutunga was a gentleman, he would be uncomfortable with a Chief Justice who wears a stud.

Father Ferdinand Lugonzo, who represented the Kenya Episcopal Conference, said Dr Mutunga’s and Ms Baraza stood for values that were against the family.

However, Mr Odinga, while opening the Pentecostal Assemblies of God revival and prayer conference at Nairobi’s Charter Hall, said even though ones religion must encourage people to speak openly about issues, the talk must be civil and non judgemental.

He said that the country will only move forward, when Kenyans unite, discard tribalism and stopped demonising other people and institutions in the name of the religion.

Also present was Housing assistant minister Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa and Town Clerk Philip Kisia.

Bishop Wanjiru said ODM was fully behind Mr Odinga’s presidential bid during next year’s general elections.

“We in ODM are not searching for a presidential candidate, do not think we shall even go for presidential primaries. We already have one who is Raila Odinga,” she said.

She asked ODM supporters to remain steadfast in the party in order for them to “complete the journey we began in 2007".

Mr Odinga was the main rival to President Kibaki in the 2007 disputed poll. It ignited protests that led to post election violence in which 1,133 people were killed and a further 650,000 displaced. A power sharing agreement ensued with Mr Odinga assuming the office of Prime Minister.

“I am certain that this time, we shall make it,” she said.

On the rising cost of living, Bishop Wanjiru asked Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure the prices of flour and fuel were reduced.

“If this does not happen, we shall meet him in Parliament,” she added.