Archbishop Ole Sapit calls for dialogue over IEBC stalemate
The newly elected Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit. He has called on the opposition Cord to suspend protests and give dialogue a chance in order to solve challenges the country is facing. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Archbishop Sapit spoke after presiding over a Mass at Kericho Town ACK Church Sunday.
- He said Cord may have been forced to protests after their pleas for electoral reforms were ignored.
- He observed that the anti-IEBC protests had often turned rowdy and unmanageable, leading to massive damage of property and escalating into fights.
- Governor Tunai exuded confidence the Archbishop-elect will promote unity and spiritual growth.
The newly elected Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has called on the opposition Cord to suspend protests and give dialogue a chance.
The cleric said it was necessary that the stalemate over the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is addressed as a matter of urgency adding that only dialogue will solve challenges the country is facing.
Archbishop Sapit spoke after presiding over a Mass at Kericho Town ACK Church Sunday.
Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetang’ula and Kalonzo Musyoka have been leading protests every Monday to force IEBC commissioners out of office.
“We should use peaceful ways to get what we want. I am appealing to those who want commissioners out of office to be patient as we give dialogue a chance,” he said.
Bishop Sapit said: “I am also asking Jubilee and IEBC as well to be open to dialogue.”
PLEAS FOR REFORMS
He said Cord may have been forced to protests after their pleas for electoral reforms were ignored.
Earlier, Archbishop Sapit, who spoke at ACK St Luke's Church in Narok on his way to Kericho said the country risked plunging into chaos if it goes into the next elections without resolving the issue.
“Both sides must soften their hard stances over the matter and talk,” said the cleric who was elected on Friday.
He observed that the anti-IEBC protests had often turned rowdy and unmanageable, leading to massive damage of property and escalating into fights.
“What were meant to be peaceful protests were infiltrated by muggers. We must look for a more peaceful way of handling the issue and dialogue is the only route,” he added.
Bishop Sapit replaced outgoing ACK head Eliud Wabukala.
Meanwhile, Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai and clergy in Narok have welcomed the election of Sapit as the new Archbishop.
“On behalf of the people of Narok County, we offer our best wishes for your spiritual leadership and success as you take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office,” Mr Tunai said.
He exuded confidence the Archbishop-elect will promote unity and spiritual growth.
