Muslim clerics raise concern over rising political temperatures in the country

Muslim clerics have raised concern over the rising political temperatures in the country and called on President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua to bury the hatchet for the country to co-exist peacefully.

Led by the chairman of the Muslim Professionals Legal Africa Dr Hassan Kinyua Omari, the clerics told President Ruto to ignore political detractors and sit down with his deputy to iron out issues which may have sparked bad blood between them.

They said the situation has been aggravated following the impeachment of Mr Gachagua by the National Assembly last week.

"We know President Ruto as a God-fearing person. In that breath, we call on him to bury the hatchet with his deputy and sit down and iron out their differences for the country to move forward as one," said Sheikh (Dr) Omari, also the CEO, Peace League Africa.

According to Dr Omari, DP Gachagua has also shown remorse and sought for forgiveness from his boss and called on President Ruto to listen to him.

The Muslim clerics also read mischief on how the impeachment motion against Mr Gachagua was fast-tracked by the National Assembly and called on the Senate to critically look into all accusations against him before taking any action.

"And if the issue moves to court we call on Chief Justice Martha Koome to ensure the Judiciary upholds its objective by maintaining its independence. Kenya's only hope is now in the Judiciary as we no longer have a vibrant opposition in Kenya," said Dr Kinyua.

The clerics warned Legislators who will not stand with pertinent issues affecting ordinary Kenyans like the high cost of living that they risk being shown the door by the electorate come 2027.

Mr Gachagua was last week overwhelmingly impeached by the National Assembly after 282 MPs voted in favour of his removal against 44 who voted against his removal.

The votes represented a reduction of 10 compared to 291 who initially lined up in support of the motion. His fate now lies in the Senate.

The religious leaders who spoke when they led Muslim Clerics during the Maulid celebrations at Masjid Noor Mosgue in Eldoret City, at the same time, condemned the clan clashes which have been witnessed in Tana River leaving at least 18 people dead in the past one(1) week alone.

North Rift Council of Imams and Preachers Kenya (CIPK) Chairperson Sheikh Abubakar Bini hit out on the government for doing little to quell the clashes which have been attributed to scramble for resources.

"We have not witnessed the force and seriousness it was used by the government to end banditry in the North Rift being applied in Tana River. Is this not part of Kenya?" posed Sheikh Bini.

"We will do our best as religious leaders to preach peace, but the government should play its part by bringing to book the perpetrators," he added.

Dr Kinyua said they have lined up a series of peace meetings involving elders and leaders from the warring communities beginning this week in a bid to end the bloodshed.

Tana River Governor Tana River Governor Godhana Dhado and Galole MP Hiribae Said Buya have since been arrested, questioned and released by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives as probe into the cause of the clashes continues.

DCI boss Amin Mohamed said the duo was arrested for failing to honour summons in regards to ongoing clashes in Tana River.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also summoned five(5) MPs from the region.