Nyahururu Catholic Bishop Joseph Mbatia yesterday called for Christians to pray for the country so that peace can prevail during and after the elections.

He also urged Kenyans to remain united and love their neighbours irrespective of the communities they belong to.

Bishop Mbatia said this when he conducted a lunchtime Ash Wednesday mass at the Mary Immaculate Cathedral in Nyahururu town.

The Ash Wednesday ushers in the 40 days of Lent in the Catholic Church calendar which precedes Easter.

The Bishop, who was accompanied by his predecessor Bishop (retired) Louis Paiarro, urged the faithful to use the season to reconcile with all they had wronged.

“Use the Lent season to reconcile with your family members, neighbours and all people.

“During this electioneering season, I urge prayers for our country and for Kenyans to love each,” he said.

Bishop Mbatia urged Christians to be ambassadors of peace not just during the Lent season but all the time.

Armed attacks

He pleaded with people who have been staging armed raids in Laikipia County to be contented with what they have, saying, the attacks were driven by the urge to amass more.

He condemned a Tuesday night attack at Karandi in Gituamba location in which animals were stolen.

“Let us pray for the attackers to be contented with what they have instead of stealing to get more,” Bishop Mbatia said.