Kisumu Clergy call upon politicians to commit to peaceful conduct

 

Members of Kisumu Interfaith Network{KIN} engage in a cleaning up exercise at Kibuye Market before addressing press conference in Kisumu-Photo Courtesy 

By Dickson Odhiambo

April 24, 2026

 Kisumu Clergy call upon politicians to commit to peaceful conduct

Members of the Clergy in Kisumu have called upon political leaders to commit to peaceful conduct during the campaigns.

The Clergy under the umbrella of Kisumu Interfaith Network {KIN} political leaders and organizers of political events should demonstrate leadership by committing to peaceful conduct during the campaigns.

Addressing the press in Kisumu today, the Clergy have called upon organizers of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu to demonstrate leadership by committing to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the event.

“They bear a responsibility to ensure that their supporters act within the law and uphold the dignity of all. We urge them to refrain from inflammatory language, hate speech, or any actions that may incite division or violence,” the clergy say.

The clergy have appealed to the youth whom they say are often at the Centre of political mobilization, to resist being drawn into acts of violence or manipulation.

“Young people are not instruments of conflict but are vital agents of peace, development, and positive transformation within our communities. Their energy and voice should contribute to building a just and inclusive society, not to its destruction,” they add.

 They also called upon every parent, sibling, and spouse to fulfil their sacred responsibility within the family and community by speaking with family members who may be planning to participate in the demonstrations, encouraging them to uphold peace, exercise restraint, and avoid any actions that could lead to violence or harm.

“To the security agencies, we emphasize the importance of providing professional, impartial, and proportionate security during the rally. The protection of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, is essential to maintaining confidence in public institutions and ensuring that democratic spaces remain open and safe for all,” they further say.

They say as faith communities, they reaffirm their shared commitment to the sanctity of life, the dignity of every human person, and the sacred responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence.

“As the country steadily approaches the 2027 electoral period, we caution against the normalisation of goonism, violence, and intolerance, which risk deepening divisions and undermining national stability. Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity and its ability to engage differences peacefully,” they added in the statement.

They add that Kisumu must stand as a beacon of responsible political engagement and inter-communal harmony.

“We call upon all residents to choose peace and to ensure that the Linda Mwananchi Rally becomes an example of orderly, respectful, and peaceful democratic participation,” the Clergy say.