- Catholic clergy and Machakos leaders have urged Kenyans to safeguard peace as political activity intensifies.
- The appeal was made during the burial of two Catholic priests at Katoloni in Machakos.
- Leaders called for political tolerance, responsible speech and rejection of violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Two Catholic priests were on Wednesday buried at St. Joseph Pastoral Centre, Katoloni, in Machakos, following a solemn Requiem Mass led by Machakos Diocese Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua.
Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo and Rev. Fr. Paul Kinyumu were laid to rest at the Katoloni Clergy Cemetery after the Mass, which was attended by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and hundreds of Catholic faithful. Reports from the funeral confirm that Bishop King’oo led the Mass, alongside other bishops and hundreds of priests.
The ceremony brought together clergy, county leaders and mourners who paid tribute to the two priests for their service to the Church.
Calls for political tolerance
Addressing mourners, Bishop King’oo urged Kenyans to avoid reckless speech and violence as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election. He called on voters to listen to divergent political views and respect one another regardless of political affiliation.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti called on Kenyans to uphold peace and unity ahead of next year’s elections, urging political leaders and citizens to avoid actions and utterances that could trigger conflict. Her peace appeal at the Requiem Mass was also reported separately on Wednesday.
“Being International Peace Week, I urge everyone to maintain peace because the country belongs to all of us. Let the church speak with one voice and talk to Kenyans to keep peace,” said Wavinya.
She urged the Church to play a central role in preaching peace and called for political tolerance, saying every Kenyan should be allowed to hold political meetings peacefully while rejecting political goonism.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi also cautioned politicians and members of the public against irresponsible statements, noting that inflammatory utterances could undermine peace.
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The leaders spoke during International Peace Week, calling for tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
By Stephen Muthini.
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