Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has challenged leaders to stop wrangling and engage with respect for the benefit of the country.

Addressing the media yesterday after attending a Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Machakos, Wavinya said the ongoing wrangles by senior leaders in the country were setting a bad precedent for the younger generation of leaders.

In an apparent reference to the ongoing political wars pitting leaders allied to President William against those supporting DP Rigathi Gachagua, Wavinya said it was possible to find a common ground without exposing the country to political turmoil.

“We pray for peace and call upon leaders to sit and talk. All of us are leaders and we should mind about our country. Leaders should respect each other in order to have a peaceful country,” the governor said.

She said leaders have an obligation to set a good example by coexisting amicably with each other and concentrate on developing the country.

Her call also came a few days after religious leaders from the Ukambani region called on President Ruto and Gachagua to embrace the spirit of handshake and unity remembering the country is watching them.

The governor also delved into the proposal to tax churches, saying any legislation touching on religious organizations should consider the roles played by such institutions in society.

“Taxing churches is like double taxing the citizens because it is us the worshippers who contribute to building these institutions,” she said.