The Church is at the crossroads over efforts to reconcile President Uhuru Kenyatta with his Deputy President William Ruto.
Some of the President’s allies say the religious leaders are not sincere in their push for reconciliation.
Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni said that the church has become a platform for fostering rebellion against the President.
“The rebellion has germinated because the religious leaders nurtured and watered it. The church did not know that it was being used to exploit Kenyans. Even as we talk reconciliation the church must define the terms. How do you reconcile with a person who wants to impoverish your people?” he posed.
However, Ruto has expressed his willingness to holds talks with Uhuru.
In a letter to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) dated September 16, the DP declared willingness for arbitration to end the tiff that has since degenerated to an all-out political war between the erstwhile bosom friends.
“I appreciate with humility your concerns about the state of my relationship with His Excellency the President in the context of peace and tranquility in the country,” read part of the letter.
“I want you, the Most Reverend Bishops to know that I am willing, ready and available to participate without any conditions whatsoever, in any forum that you may find necessary to address and resolve these concerns.”
He noted that his union with Uhuru in the run-up to the 2013 General Election was premised on the need for “brotherhood, cohesion and peace”.
The DP said that the President and he hailed from communities whose frequent politically instigated antagonism had vexed the nation for decades, informing their deliberate decision to change it by working together.
Ruto cited recent violence in Naromoru, Nyeri, Kisii and Taita Taveta counties and Kenol in Murang’a. He suggested complicity by security agents claiming that despite heavy deployment, violent attacks are not effectively contained.
“I regret to share observations which indicate that, for a while now, this intolerance has found violent expression. It is in this context that I regard, with profound concern, the re-emergence of intolerant and violent tendencies, especially in connection with political mobilisation,” said the DP.
Ruto further supported calls by the church to the Government to provide the necessary resources for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver a free and credible 2022 General Election.
“The commission should have the support it requires to successfully oversee next year’s General Election. The appointment of a substantive commission chief executive officer is long overdue,” said Ruto.
The letter comes a day after Catholic bishops said the two leaders had not formally responded to the invitation for talks.
After the national prayers day at Subukia shrine, the bishops said they were still waiting for the two leaders to respond.