Church sounds alarm over rising political hostility, insecurity and child disappearances
The church's remarks come amid growing public concern over political tensions, insecurity and cases of missing persons, with religious leaders increasingly calling for unity, accountability and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has expressed concern over the growing culture of political hostility, insults and inflammatory rhetoric among leaders, warning that such conduct threatens national cohesion and peace.
Speaking at Christ the King Cathedral Church in Nyahururu during a ceremony to commission more than 1,400 members into the Kenya Anglican Men Association (KAMA), Nyahururu Diocesan Bishop Major retired Samson Gacathi urged leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements.
The church’s remarks come amid growing public concern over political tensions, insecurity and cases of missing persons, with religious leaders increasingly calling for unity, accountability and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
Bishop Gacathi said leadership is a sacred trust and cautioned politicians across the political divide against engaging in personal attacks, abusive language and divisive remarks that could inflame tensions in the country.
“We must reject politics of hatred, intimidation and division, and instead embrace dialogue, mutual respect, issue-based engagements and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The bishop, who was accompanied by ACK Bondo Diocese Bishop Prof. David Kodia, also raised concerns over what he described as increasing cases of tribal profiling and ethnic suspicion, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national unity and harmonious coexistence.
He challenged leaders at all levels to become ambassadors of peace, reconciliation and unity rather than fueling divisions among Kenyans.
At the same time, Bishop Gacathi decried rising insecurity in various parts of the country, citing criminal gangs, organized goons, theft and violence.
He called on government agencies, community leaders and citizens to work together in addressing the growing security challenges.
The cleric further voiced concern over the increasing cases of unexplained disappearances of young children, saying the incidents have caused fear, anxiety and emotional distress among families and communities.
He urged security agencies to conduct swift, transparent and thorough investigations into the disappearances and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
