The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) has been active in lobbying Kenya’s political parties towards a genuine and sustainable peace in the country during and after the election period. The recently held prayer rally in Nairobi, Kenya on 7th July, 2017, was attended by the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta among other two other presidential candidates and political leaders.
EAK Chairman, Bishop Mark Kariuki, led President Uhuru Kenyatta in reciting a peace declaration that read, “I being a Kenyan citizen do hereby pledge to be a peaceful person, to promote and maintain peace during the campaigns, the elections and after the elections. I will use all the power at my disposal to ensure that true peace reigns in this nation. Help me God to fulfil this solemn vow.”
EAK this past month called on the country’s electoral body to test all its elections electronic systems and assure the country that they are prepared to deliver a free, fair and credible General Election. They also called on the media to be more cautious and responsible in their reporting.
Kenyan elections have turned violent in the past, notably after the 2007 presidential vote that international observers said was flawed. More than 1,000 people died with thousands more displaced. This particular election is considered a “high stakes” election with violence already experienced during the political party primaries.
Tension has also been heightened with the brutal killing of a Kenyan poll official, Chris Msando, who was in charge of Kenya’s computerised voting system for next Tuesday’s (August 8, 2017) presidential elections.
AEA Team
photo credit: the-star.co.ke