Anglican church warns leaders against hate speech, divisive politics

Speaking at Christ the King Cathedral Church in Nyahururu, Nyahururu Anglican Diocesan Bishop Mjr. Rt. Samson Gachathi said leadership is a sacred trust and urged those in public office to exercise dignity, restraint and responsibility in their utterances.

The bishop cautioned political leaders across the divide against engaging in personal attacks, abusive language and divisive statements that could incite 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,” said Bishop Gachathi.

The cleric spoke during a ceremony where more than 1,400 men were commissioned into the Kenya Anglican Men Association (KAMA). He was accompanied by ACK Bondo Diocese Bishop Prof. David Kodia.

Bishop Gachathi further expressed concern over what he termed as increasing cases of tribal profiling and ethnic suspicion, saying the trend poses a serious threat to national unity and harmonious coexistence.

He challenged leaders at all levels to become agents of peace, unity and reconciliation rather than fueling divisions among Kenyans.

The bishop also decried rising incidents of insecurity, including criminal gangs, organized goons, theft and violence reported in different parts of the country.

He called on all stakeholders to work together in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.

At the same time, Bishop Gachathi voiced concern over 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