Church leaders in Kisumu have issued a strong appeal for peace and restraint ahead of the anticipated Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Sunday, warning against violence and inflammatory political conduct.
Speaking to the media at St Teresa Kibuye Catholic Church on Saturday, Father Francis Konyach called on event organisers and political leaders to take full responsibility for the behaviour of their supporters and to prioritise peaceful engagement.
“We therefore call upon all political leaders and organisers associated with the rally to demonstrate leadership by committing to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the event. They bear a responsibility to ensure that their supporters act within the law and uphold the dignity of all. We urge them to refrain from inflammatory language, hate speech, or any actions that may incite division or violence,” said Fr Konyach.
The clergy also directed a pointed message to the youth, who are often mobilised during political gatherings, urging them to reject manipulation and resist being used to fuel unrest.
“We also appeal to the youth, who are often at the centre of political mobilisation, to resist being drawn into acts of violence or manipulation. Young people are not instruments of conflict but are vital agents of peace, development, and positive transformation within our communities. Their energy and voice should contribute to building a just and inclusive society, not to its destruction,” they said.
In addition, the church leaders urged families and communities to play an active role in promoting peace by guiding their members who may participate in demonstrations.
“We further recognise the vital role of families and communities in shaping values and behaviour. We call upon every parent, sibling, and spouse to fulfil their sacred responsibility within the family and community by speaking with family members who may be planning to participate in the demonstrations, encouraging them to uphold peace, exercise restraint, and avoid any actions that could lead to violence or harm,” they reiterated.
The clerics further challenged security agencies to uphold professionalism and impartiality in managing the rally, stressing the importance of safeguarding all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“We emphasise the importance of providing professional, impartial, and proportionate security during the rally. The protection of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, is essential to maintaining confidence in public institutions and ensuring that democratic spaces remain open and safe for all,” they noted.
Reaffirming their commitment as faith leaders, they warned against the growing trend of political intolerance and violence as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
“As faith communities, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the sanctity of life, the dignity of every human person, and the sacred responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence. As the country steadily approaches the 2027 electoral period, we caution against the normalisation of goonism, violence, and intolerance, which risk deepening divisions and undermining national stability,” they added.
The leaders urged residents to ensure the rally serves as a model of peaceful democratic participation.
“Kisumu must stand as a beacon of responsible political engagement and intercommunal harmony. We call upon all residents to choose peace and to ensure that the Linda Mwananchi Rally becomes an example of orderly, respectful, and peaceful democratic participation.”
Their remarks come a day after Inspector General Douglas Kanja assured the public that security agencies are fully prepared to guarantee peace during the rally, warning that individuals who engage in violence will face the full force of the law.
