Religious leaders have called on politicians affiliated to various political formations to exercise restraint and tolerance as political temperatures rise ahead of next year’s General Election.

The clergy also cautioned youths against falling prey to political manipulation, warning that those enticed to engage in violence for short-lived financial gains could end up losing their lives or sustaining permanent disabilities.

Speaking at Katheri Village in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, during the burial ceremony of prominent Nanyuki businessman Joseph Kabugi, Father Moses Kanyingi faulted politicians for allegedly misusing desperate and unemployed youths by giving them handouts to attack political opponents.

“To politicians, use your leadership position with integrity. Do not use the youth as tools for causing violence, as we have seen in Homa Bay and Embu. Do not use money to divide people or make corruption lawful,” cautioned Father Kanyingi.

He also warned political leaders against using their positions to accumulate wealth through corruption while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.

“Do not take public resources to enrich yourself as people continue to suffer. Be a servant of the people with integrity. God is seeing you,” said the cleric.

Kanyingi further cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence or destroy property, noting that they would be held individually responsible for their actions.

He urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to guide young people and encourage them to reject calls to participate in political violence, saying peaceful coexistence was essential for development and stability.

Leaders who spoke during the ceremony, among them Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri and former Laikipia Women Representative Cate Waruguru, called for peaceful campaigns regardless of political affiliation.

They urged politicians to sell their policies and ideas to voters instead of mobilising supporters to confront their opponents, while asking residents to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

He urged voters to reject violence and uphold peaceful participation.

Mzee Kabugi, father of the first Laikipia Deputy Governor Gitonga Kabugi, died last week aged 90 after battling an illness for several months.

He was mourned as an astute businessman who left a lasting legacy and positively impacted the lives of many people in the region.

by Muturi Mwangi