Kenyan Catholic bishops raise red flag on Kenyatta succession political bickering

24 Mai 2020

Nairobi, Kenya, May 24 (Infosplusgabon) - The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Sunday warned politicians against engaging in divisive succession politics as Kenya grapples with the COIVID-19 pandemic.

They reminded politicians that the country is also tackling the locust invasion and massive flooding that have affected 807,000 people.

The clergymen asked the leaders to focus on the welfare of citizens during the tough economic times occasioned by decline in economic activity.

The warning comes in the wake of the removal of the Jubilee Party leadership in the Senate deemed to be loyal to the Deputy President William Ruto.

The fallout between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy is in the public domain.

Kenyatta, serving his second and last five-year term, seeking to unite the country and end the violence sparked by disputed presidential election, every five years, is working with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Kenyatta and Odinga, a former prime minister, buried the hatchet in March 2018, sealing the 'handshake' deal.

Under the arrangement the leaders agreed to cease hostilities, work together and move the country forward.

This did not go down well with Dr. Ruto, who apart from opposing the 'handshake', views Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, as a threat to his bid to succeed Kenyatta in 2022.

Those removed were the Senate Deputy Speaker, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Whip Susan Kihika.

They were accused of insubordination and disrespect to the president after they snubbed a meeting called by President Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi.

Kenyatta is also the Jubilee Party Leader.

Led by Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese, the Bishops lauded elected leaders and individuals supporting vulnerable communities with relief food.

“This is not the time for divisive politics, our leaders should unite to fight the common enemy which is coronavirus,” said Bishop Kimengich.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference asked Kenyans to continue adhering to guidelines issued by the health ministry so as to win the war against COVID-19.

FIN/ INFOSPLUSGABON/FRI/GABON2020

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