The absence of Opposition leaders at yesterday’s National Prayer Breakfast meeting raised concerns among some clerics.

Kakamega Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi said efforts to heal and unite the country will not bear fruits if the government and Opposition leaders remain at loggerheads.

“This was the first time that the leaders in the Opposition were absent at this important event and some of us do not know why,” he said.

Bishop Obanyi pointed out that the ongoing debate over the high cost of living should not divide the country and sow seeds of hatred and disunity.

He said the yesterday’s event appeared to have been held hostage by the government which should not be the case.

“The organisers should help us know if they invited key Opposition leaders such as Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Wycliffe Oparanya and the rest,” said the primate.

“Their absence, which has never happened in the past, is cause for concern because it jeopardises healing and reconciliation efforts which the country needs badly at this point as Kenyans battle high cost of living,” he added.

Speaking at Mukumu Catholic Church in Shinyalu Constituency when he presided over a Mass to pray for the Diocese and entire country, the church leader urged politicians to “talk to one another and not at one another”.

He pointed out that Kenyans always went by the utterances and body language of their political leaders and that if they sensed trouble then the country would not heal from the divisive August 9 elections.

Bishop Obanyi urged the government and opposition sides to stop chest-thumping and working in isolation. “Talking to each other does not necessarily mean being compromised or killing the opposition. It means agreeing on common issues that will move the country forward,” he added.