2022 elections: Bishop warns politicians on hate speech
By Noven.Owiti, January 10, 2022
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) yesterday expressed concern over rising cases of political profiling in Nyanza region as the country heads to the General-Election.
The church warned that political zoning was a threat to peaceful coexistence.
ACK Southern Nyanza Diocese Bishop Simon Onyango asked politicians to stop the practice for the country to enjoy the desired peace ahead of the August polls.
He cited Migori county where there is stiff political competition between the ODM party headed by Raila Odinga and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) headed by Governor Okoth Obado.The cleric noted such competition has led to fierce rivalry which leads violence .
“The church is against political profiling because it interferes with the spirit of peaceful coexistence,” Rev Onyango said during a prayer service at the diocese’s headquarters in Homa Bay town.
Name and shame
The clergy urged the electorate to allow politicians eyeing various elective posts to sell their agenda without interference and pick their preferred candidates in the August 9 polls.
The Bishop asked politicians to shun violence, noting that he will name and shame politicians who perpetrate violence in the region.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, who is eyeing Homa Bay governor’s seat, urged fellow politicians to sell their policies to the electorate rather than hatred.
Misori expressed concern that political profiling will make it difficult for teachers working in the profiled zones, hence impede development.