National Council of the  Churches of Kenya (NCCK) yesterday urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to amicably resolve his differences with his deputy William Ruto.

The protestant churches umbrella body said the frosty relationship between the two had polarised the country.

Speaking during the end of a three-day men’s conference at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, NCCK secretary general  Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui said the President and his deputy should be symbols of unity.

“It is hard for husbands and fathers to promote dialogue in their families and society when the top leadership of the nation is setting a contrary example,” said Rev Kinyanjui.

He said that the grandstanding between Uhuru and Ruto had raised political temperatures.

Polls preparedness

Rev Kinyanjui also said NCCK was deeply concerned that most agencies, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), were not adequately prepared for the August election.

“Kenyans need to know the actions taken to prevent a repeat of the electoral mistakes made during the 2017 General Election. There is growing mistrust of IEBC by the public,” he said.

The conference heard that there is very low civic education which may result in voters electing the wrong people.

“The polls are likely to witness very low voter turnout due to apathy and displacement of people by Covid-19, yet the IEBC has put hindrances against those wishing to change voting stations,” said Rev Kinyanjui.

He also petitioned police and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against politicians who spread hate.