Nairobi — Women clergy from 37 churches in western Kenya say religious leaders have taken sides in the current political impasse.

This, they said, had hampered the search for peace.

They said the clergy are tribal and partisan.

"We have became tribal through our churches yet our followers are from all tribes," said the leaders.

The women clergy, under the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF), said religious leaders could not be trusted as mediators in the conflict that has led to more than 500 deaths, and more than 250, 000 people displaced.

"Church leaders have failed, and we have to go to the drawing board," said Bishop Winnie Owiti of Voice of Salvation and Healing Church.

They urged the Government to waive medical bills for persons affected by the violence, saying some of them could not afford the fees.

"Some of the victims cannot afford hospital charges. We call upon the Government to waive such bills," said Owiti, the chairperson of CWF.