The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) in the counties of Tana River and Garissa has advised the people to maintain the peace, practice tolerance and coexistence between Christians and Muslims as a reaction to the rise of security concerns targeting places of worship.
After the Madogo town peaceful procession, a meeting of religious leaders from different churches was held. They voiced their strong concern regarding the threats of the local criminal gang that they encountered in their community. The gang has made it impossible for the pastors to conduct Keshas and midweek services at night. EAK officials have said that frightened by the possibility of an attack, congregations are cutting down or cancelling their evening worship programs by going out of the church.
In the call for enhanced protection of constitutional freedom of worship, the clergy highlighted that no Kenyan should feel insecure during the practice of their faith. Besides that, they appealed to the security agencies to increase patrols in the area and arrest those involved in criminal activities that undermine peaceful coexistence in the region.
“One of the EAK leaders during the procession said, “We urge all residents to accept religious and cultural diversity. Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully for years, and this harmony must be safeguarded.”
Religious leaders also advised local communities to have a good relationship with the police, in order to make reporting of suspicious activities easier. They emphasized that peace-keeping should be every member’s responsibility.
This invitation has been interfaith groups’ tone for a long time. They are always urging the people to come together and have dialogue in a region that has been known for peaceful coexistence between different religious communities.
