American, British missionaries call for peaceful campaigns.

Missionaries in Nakuru under the auspices of Impact Nations have urged the two political divides in the country to desist from acrimonious campaigns that will polarize the country.

Speaking in Nakuru, Impact Nations coordinator Bishop Dr. Mike Brawan observed that campaigns motivated by emotions are ruinous to prevailing peace and coexistence, gains, he says have been realized through painstaking peace-building initiatives for the last 15 years.

Dr. Brawan noted that acrimony motivated by political bigotry is inimical to the country`s bid for regeneration of the economy that was disrupted by the long-running COVID-19 pandemic.

In reference to damning reports about pelting a helicopter belonging to ODM leader Raila Odinga with stones in Uasin Gishu yesterday, Dr. Brawan described the individuals behind the mischief as unscrupulous and insensitive to the interests of a cohesive nation.

He called on the support bases of Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Azimio La Umoja Movement to exercise politics of social cohesion rather than politics of division at a time the county is reeling from hardship.

Dr. Brawan noted that electioneering should not be a messy affair if everyone plays by the rules and stays ethical in their campaigns and appealed to both political persuasions to exercise restraint.

Election, he advised, is a one-day affair and everyone must be allowed to air their opinion without blackmail, threats, and violence.

His sentiments were heartily echoed by Christina Stewart who noted that Kenya is a reputable tourist destination that is admired internationally, has a huge potential for growth and Kenyans must not blot the reputation through politics of hate that she warned could scare away international tourists who are keen to visit the country.

Observing that peace must prevail for Kenya to develop, Stewart noted that the country was bigger than political individuals and must be preserved for future generations.

Speaking separately at a news conference in Nakuru, former National Authority for the  Campaign  Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Chairman John Mututho condemned those who vandalized Raila`s aircraft and challenged the police to make arrests of culprits as a deterrence against politics of hatred which he says threatens peaceful existence in the country.

Mututho wants the country to do everything to prevent election-instigated violence. He tasked politicians from both divides and their supporters to mount and sustain peacebuilding drives and spread messages of peace.

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