Avoid bias, says Kitale cleric

TUESDAY, 27 MARCH 2012 00:07 BY NICHOLAS WAMALWA

RELIGOUS leaders have been cautioned against taking political sides in the general election. They should instead pray for all the candidates without being biased, said the Rev Kimtai Chesos of the Anglican Church of Kenya. Addressing mourners during the burial of former Nzoia County Council chairman Lawrence Kipsoi in Saboti at the weekend, the Rev Chesos said: “We have a task to pray for our politicians regardless of their political parties. We ought to be balanced and pray to all aspirants and leaders from all the political parties.''

Starehe MP Bishop Margaret wanjiru and and the Rev Mutava Musyimi of Gachoka are some of the clerics who are in politics. Pastor Pius Muiru contested for the presidency in 2007 but was defeated. In Trans Nzoia county, Bishop Julius Mbagaya and Bishop Robert Makona have shown interest in Kiminini and Saboti parliamentary seats respectively.

Present were Mount Elgon MP Fred Kapondi,Kitale Deputy mayor Pius Kauka, former Mt.Elgon MP Wilberforce Kisiero,former Nzoia Couty council clerk Elizabeth Nyongesa, area governor aspirant Joel Gesuka, councilors among hundreds of contestants of various seats from Trans Nzoia County. Trans Nzoia Gesuka urged area residents to avoid electing leaders who preach hatred and issue divisive statements. “Let us focus on development oriented leaders and those who can help you people of Trans Nzoia alleviate poverty “said Gesuka.