Nairobi — Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked religious organisations to lead efforts to bring peace and reconciliation in Kenya.

Mr Odinga said due to their regular interactions with Kenyans, the organisations must always be "consensus builders".

"They should spearhead efforts to spread reconciliation and understanding that we seek in our country," said the PM in Nairobi on Thursday.

He spoke at the Central Railway Station when he flagged off a "Sacred Peace Train" hired by members of the of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and the Sikh community.

The train began its journey in Kisumu and was headed for Makindu Sikh Temple at the Coast.

Prosperity

Spiritual leaders on board will be praying for peace, prosperity and unity of Kenyans at various stops along the way.

The PM said only the culture of tolerance between various religious, cultural and ethnic groups would ensure peace in the country.

And he paid tribute to Kenyans, saying despite the upheavals that had threatened their country, they had remained determined to preserve their sense of nationhood "sometimes with little help from the leadership."

"Today, there are no two ways about it; the whole Kenyan nation is united in saying, 'Enough. Stop it. We must bring an end to this madness of mistrust that brings destruction."