The Star (Nairobi)

Kenya: Clergy Call for Peace in Rift Valley

Bishops and members of the Muslim community in Rift Valley have expressed satisfaction with the election process but cautioned politicians to sort out resultant disputes without inciting Kenyans.

The clergymen led by Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Cornelius Korir said those who were dissatisfied had the right to pursue justice in the courts.

"We are happy with the way the elections took place in a peaceful environment because this will now give us the impetus to build on the reconciliation and healing process among communities", said Bishop Korir.

Korir was with ACK Bishop of Eldoret Christopher Ruto and Chairman of the Imams in North Rift Abubakar Dini during a meeting they held at the Catholic Church in Eldoret yesterday.

Ruto, who read a statement from the more than ten clergymen who were present said they congratulated President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto, who were declared winners of the polls.

"We ask those who won to celebrate with humility and join with other Kenyans in nation building,"said Ruto.

He said the Cord Coalition which lost the polls should pursue the court process while preaching peace among Kenyans and that the Supreme Court should be able to determine the dispute without fear or favour for anyone.

"The court process should take its on course,"he said. They also want the government to urgently deal with the general insecurity ion most parts of the country and more specifically the cattle rustling menace in the North Rift.

Korir said cattle rustling had been a major impediment to development in the region especially within the Pokot, Baringo and Turkana counties.

Abubakar said they would embark on further inter-community meetings on healing in the region. "People are living together in peace but we have to work on healing from effects of the poll violence,"he said. They have pledged to work with the government on development activities inn the region.

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