Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) yesterday called on the electoral agency to ensure they prepare well for the General Election next year and establish transparent tallying of the results at all levels.

Archbishop Dr. Jackson ole Sapit said now that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has now been fully constituted,the electoral agency must organise and plan for credible and peaceful elections bringing Kenyans together irrespective of the outcome.

“We call upon the electoral body to ensure that preparations for the election in 2022 are well organised through proper civic education, mass voter registration, monitored campaigns and transparent tallying of the results at all levels,” said Ole Sapit.  

The prelate also called on all aspiring candidates to ensure that as they campaign, their approach should be driven by inclusivity.

“We note with deep concern the mobilisation of voters along tribal lines and other forms of exclusion.

The aspiring candidates should adhere to electoral laws and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to be vigilant, proactive and impartial at all times to ensure the campaigns are civil.

This will ensure responsive and peaceful campaigns,” said Ole Sapit.

While calling for sobriety during campaigns, the church decried that although the country has made greater strides in economic development in infrastructure, education and health, majority of Kenyans remain poor.

The cleric charged that Kenyans are poor because of corrupt practices meted by unscrupulous businesspersons and leaders who import cheap produce and counterfeit products.

Sapit said it was disheartening to note that after farmers plant their crops and they are just about to harvest, some leaders import cheap produce that causes glut in the market hence lowering the prices to the extent that the farmer is not able to sell the produce at competitive prices.

“We call upon government institutions and agencies, technocrats and entrepreneurs to promote economic models that will make Kenya attract direct foreign investors and empowerment of all Kenyans to get involved in personal meaningful development,” said Ole Sapit.