Catholic bishops have urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to assure the general public of credible polls ahead of the August 9th general election.

The clergy said the commission should assure citizens of credible polls to prevent chaos witnessed in the past elections.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of other bishops on Sunday, Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Antony Muheria said that it is important for the commission to instill credibility in the August 9th polls by explaining to Kenyans steps they are taking to ensure the polls are free and fair.

At the same time, the bishops have called on politicians to tone down public spats witnessed in recent days and conduct mature campaigns as D-day draws closer.

“We want to urge Wafula Chebukati-led commission to explain to Kenyans the process from voting up to tallying in Nairobi so that Kenyans can believe and see polls without any shred of unfairness to candidates. This will instill confidence among Kenyans who will then believe the outcome of this election that is free and fair,” Muheria said.

“Politicians should tone down their abuses at each other which unfortunately are growing louder day by day they should conduct themselves with decorum since we are not interested in their abuses but their development plans they should treat us with the respect that we deserve as Kenyans,” he added.

Bishops warn politicians against hate speech

He called on the relevant bodies to take action against the leaders spewing hatred ahead of the polls.

The man of the cloth also noted that all participants in the contest should be ready to accept defeat, to save guard the country from post-election violence.

At the same time, he called on the electorate to make informed choices and avoid electing tainted leaders, to spur development.

“Kenyans should reason wisely. Even when a politician tells you that in the first days of their leadership the cost of living especially Unga will be lowered you should at the back of your mind reason that it is hard work by Kenyans that will lower the cost of living not politicians, do not allow yourself to swallow cheap promises reinforced with cash but vote wisely,” he cautioned.