Evelyne Ogutu And Brian Adero
27 January 2008
Nairobi — The head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, John Cardinal Njue, says the violence in Rift Valley is no longer a protest over disputed presidential election results.
Njue said it was clear some politicians had fanned the violence targeted at certain communities.
He said the violence meted out on a section of Kenyans and their property had been instigated by incitement.
"There is more than meets the eye," Njue told a congregation at Christ the King Major Seminary in Mweiga, Nyeri, on Saturday.
Njue said a discerning eye would notice that the violence was not spontaneous, but it appeared well planned and organised.
Youths had been misused to attack people they had lived with, he said. The Cardinal urged young people to put the country's interests first instead of engaging in combat to please leaders.
"Young people should not be misused to attack innocent people. Leaders will use you and later leave you," he said.
Njue said Kenyans were hopeful of a solution to the political crisis, but appealed to leaders not to negotiate in anger.
He also urged Christians to pray for the success of talks between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"Those involved in mediation talks should not forget the interests of all Kenyans," said the prelate.
Njue, who alongside other religious leaders met the eminent leaders facilitating the talks, led by former UN chief Kofi Annan, said there was high hope that the talks would bear fruits.
Njue was at the seminary to celebrate the day of Christ the King. The event was to be marked last year but was pushed forward after the death of Nyeri Archbishop, Nicodemus Kirima.
Separately in Nairobi, religious leaders echoed Njue's statements that the ongoing violence is planned and executed by organised gangs.
The clerics, led by Bishop Arthur Kitonga of Redeemed Gospel Church International, said the clashes have nothing to do with the disputed presidential poll results.
They called for an end to the clashes and pleaded for a solution to the crisis.
"This political mess can be resolved. It does not warrant Kenyans to rise against one another. We appeal to political leaders to spare no effort in reaching a just and amicable solution to the current crisis," said Kitonga, in a statement signed by 19 religious leaders.
The group also supported Annan's mediation initiatives.
"While we support and appreciate both the local and international mediation efforts led by Mr Annan, we painfully note that this violence is planned and executed by organised gangs living among us," he said.
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