Wabukala tells politicians to be real patriots, discourages incitement

As politicians are gearing up for the next electioneering period, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Eliud Wabukala has urged politicians to exercise caution as they address the public, saying that national unity is paramount.

Speaking to the media fraternity in Kisumu, Wabukala called on politicians to be real patriots by placing the country above their political ambitions.

The ACK leader noted that in the past, politicians have been fond of making inflammatory remarks during campaigns. He condemned this practice and called on leaders from all walks of life to mind their speech.

“We want cohesion and we call upon all leaders, not just politicians, to speak responsibly knowing we have no other country to go to but this one,” urged the cleric.

In the same breath, he called on Kenyans to be discerning, explaining that politicians are anxious because of the upcoming polls; therefore they could say all manner of things during campaigns.

“Secondly, we should also know we are entering a year of politics, and politicians like any other human beings are very anxious. They are worried about their next move-that is why you are hearing them say these things,” explained Wabukala.

The church leader went further to say: “Kenyans, ordinary people like you and I are the ones who need to be responsible. We should be wise and judge-deciding what to follow and what not to follow. We are actually the referees, we are more sensible to handle these issues.”

Wabukala’s remarks come as the main two political parties, CORD and Jubilee, are trading barbs in the media, with each accusing the other of dishonesty greed and graft.

Political temperatures rising

On Wednesday, CORD core Principal Raila Odinga accused the Jubilee party of plotting to rig the 2017 polls. In the ‘State of The Nation Address’ the former PM said the Jubilee party was creating an imperial presidency by weakening other state bodies.

“Jubilee has also embarked on a systematic rolling back of the gains made over the years and is trying to recreate the old Kanu state to create the old imperial presidency with scary dictatorial powers,” said Odinga.

Majority Leader Aden Duale issued a quick rebuttal from the Jubilee quarter, terming Odinga’s poll rigging remarks as ‘unsubstantiated statements’.

“Whenever this county gets to elections, Raila Odinga driven by an overwhelming sense of defeat begins to make wild, irresponsible and unsubstantiated statements to create fear and panic,” said Duale.

Political temperatures are rising in the country, especially with the by-elections for Malindi and Kericho seats following the appointment of two sitting MPs to the Cabinet.

Both factions are gearing up to battle it out in the ballot box, with may seeing these mini-polls as test of strength ahead of the General Elections scheduled for August 2017.