Moi, Sapit urge Kenyans to shun politicians who incite
Anglican Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit speaks Kabarak University on June 14, 2017 where he urged Kenyans to reject politicians who incite them to violence ahead of august 8 polls. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The former head of State called on leaders and Kenyans to uphold peace in this year’s election campaigns.
- Archbishop Sapit said the best way for politicians to look for votes is to deliver services.
- He said politicians should accept the verdict of the citizens.
Former President Daniel arap Moi and Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit have urged Kenyans to reject politicians uttering inflammatory statements and embrace peace during the campaign period.
The former head of State called on leaders and Kenyans to uphold peace in this year’s election campaigns.
Mr Moi also expressed hope that the August 8 general election will go on peacefully.
“It is my prayer that this country will experience peaceful and successful elections,” he said in a speech delivered by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the ground-breaking ceremony of Kabarak University Teaching, Research and Referral Mission Hospital on Wednesday.
DELIVER SERVICES
Speaking at the same function, Archbishop Sapit said the best way for politicians to look for votes is to deliver services and not by preaching divisive politics and inciting peaceful Kenyans.
“Even as they are going round the country looking for votes, I urge politicians to display political maturity by showing that they can serve as leaders by preaching peace,” said Dr Sapit.
He said while independent candidates have genuine reasons for jumping ship, politicians should accept the verdict of the citizens.
CONCEDE DEFEAT
“August 8 is coming and after that there will be no party hoping and it is good to concede defeat instead of mobilising supporters to cause chaos,” said Dr Sapit.
He called on politicians to make use of the courts to seek justice instead of mobilising their supporters to barricade roads.
“I urge politicians to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ who said whoever wants to be great among you must be the servant of all,” said Dr Sapit.
NURSES' STRIKE
On the nurses’ strike, Dr Sapit said that it is worrying that public hospitals are not functioning because of the strike.
“It is pathetic (that) none of our leaders are thinking how to resolve the stalemate.
“It’s like nobody cares (about) the pain the patients are going through and instead we are busy politicking,” said Dr Sapit.
BLAME GAME
He added: “This is not the time to ignore the sick. This blame game between the national government and the Council of Governors on who to pay nurses yet health is a devolved function should come to an end.”
He said after elections Kenyans should rethink about the right place for the health sector as nobody seems to take responsibility.
“The government is taking taxes from Kenyans to provide health services that seem to be disrupted by the perennial strikes by the health workers and this should not happen again,” said Dr Sapit.
He urged the striking nurses to be considerate and end the strike for the sake of poor Kenyans who cannot afford to pay for health services in high-cost private hospitals.
