Raila-Ruto war of words a threat to national peace – Clergy

A section of church leaders from Embu County have expressed concern over the current war of words between Deputy President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying it threatens the country’s peace.

Led by Lieutenant Daniel Nzioka of Salvation Army, Manyatta Church the church leaders said the feud between Odinga and Ruto is raising political temperatures that had been cooled down by the handshake.

“Ruto and Raila should control their words in public as they will ignite hate among their followers who in the end will cause violence that the country has been witnessing,” Nzioka said.

He noted that there is need for the two to reconcile in the spirit of the handshake that President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga demonstrated to the world on March 9.

Pastor Samson Mbogo of Great Mission Church said that as church leaders they are afraid that the war of words could degenerate into ethnic animosity.

“The chaos left many dead and if the two leaders are not careful the country may slip into chaos again,” Mbogo said.

He urged the President to intervene and see to it that the gains of the handshake are not eroded.