By John Jenga
Muslim clerics in Mombasa have asked Kenyans to pray steadfastly for the country to hold a peaceful general election August this year.
The clerics said politicians were polarizing Kenyans and urged Muslim faithful to pray that the country does not plunge into anarchy as happened in 2007.
Khadija Mosque Imam Sheikh Mahmoud Mwinyi said it was only through divine intervention that will save Kenyans from the various problems afflicting them including insecurity and famine.
“There is need for Muslims across the country to pray as we head to the elections. They should not let politicians divide them. Politics is temporary and will come and go but as Kenyans we shall remain in our own country. We should thus not allow politics to overtake everything else,” he said.
He called on Muslims to shun leaders who attempt to divide them along ethnic lines to further their own selfish interests.
He also advised his fellow religious leaders not to take sides but only preach peace and tolerance saying that they should not underestimate their impact on the society.
“Religious leaders greatly influence the faithfuls. They should use this influence positively and ensure that the general society lives in peace and harmony,” Sheikh Mwinyi said.
The Organizing Secretary of Likoni Ustadhs, Hassan Saidi echoed the cleric’s statement saying that politicians should stop politicking in religious forums and instead seek solutions to the numerous problems affecting Kenyans.
“Kenyans should turn to Allah and pray for peace during this electioneering period. There is actually urgent need to set aside a day to hold prayers for this great nation,” he added.
