Stop spreading propaganda, NCCK tells politicians

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has challenged presidential candidates to desist from spreading propaganda and instead tell Kenyans what they will do for them if elected.

Speaking at an NCCK Executive Committee briefing in Kisumu on Tuesday, General-Secretary Canon Peter Karanja said political campaigns should be issue-based to allow Kenyans to elect good leaders.

“Presidential candidates should tell the public what they will do for them and not cause fear among them," he said, referring to claims that the opposition plans to revive International Criminal Court (ICC) cases.

EMOTIONS

“This is political propaganda and Kenyans must dismiss it,” Mr Karanja said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto have claimed that the National Super Alliance (Nasa) would renew their cases at the ICC if they win the August 8 elections.

But opposition leaders accused the Jubilee leaders of seeking to whip up emotions on election violence when Kenyans have already moved on.

Mr Karanja also urged the electoral body to act impartially in its preparation for the general election.

He noted that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should plan and manage the elections fairly, saying “the actions and performance of the electoral management body is a contributor to peace, disaffection or disillusionment.”

“In all your preparations, you must endeavour to act justly and compel all your staff to be seen to have done so,” he said.

Mr Karanja was accompanied by NCCK chairperson Rosemary Mbogoh, Rev Timothy Njoya and a host of religious leaders at the press conference held at Jumuia Resort in Kisumu town.