Kenyans in the Diaspora have expressed concern over what they termed as negative image of the country being projected to the world.

Ambassador Betty Mahugu of Diaspora County said Kenya was respected around the world, but of late, there has been a trend of “washing dirty linen in public” leading to the tarnishing of the country's image abroad.

Ambassador Mahugu who spoke on Sunday at the Eagles Hotel in Tala, Matungulu sub-County in Machakos County during Amani Kwa Wote Association National Consensus meeting, said about 4 million Kenyans in the Diaspora who were bringing in over US $600 million, were doing so because of the respect that the world accords Kenyans.

"In Rwanda where I reside, exposing negativity concerning the country is forbidden by the Citizens and so the country is respected around the world," said Ambassador Mahugu.

She pointed out the case where the Catholic Church recently rejected money donated by President William Ruto.

She said the clergy could have sought audience with the president and explained their position instead of saying it in public before the whole world.

"We cannot destroy the good name of the country with our own mouth," she said.

Ms Mahugu said Kenyans in the Diaspora are lobbying to have representation in the country.

She also urged leaders across the country to shun political differences, refrain from abusing each other and instead work together for the good of the country.

Speaking during the occasion, Kangundo Chairperson of Council of Elders, Apostle Norman Nzioka, said they will go across the country preaching peace.

Apostle Nzioka urged Kenyans to pray hard and also work hard for a better Kenya “for we have no other country”.

He said that preaching peace across the country would involve prayers asking for God's intervention in the various challenges facing Kenyans.

“I urged all Kenyans to drop their ethnic and religious differences and embrace one another and also preach peace and unity amongst themselves because this the best way to solve the various problems in our country,” Apostle Nzioka said.

Over 17 different peace groups from Mt Kenya region, Nairobi Kamba Forum, Atumia ma Thome Council of Elders from Kitui, Makueni and Machakos, and a section of the clergy, attended the meeting.