A group of clergy in the Rift Valley have formerly kicked off their mission to foster national cohesion and integration among their congregations.
The resolution was reached by about 40 clergy members drawn from Kalenjin and Kikuyu living in North and South Rift regions following an Inter-Ethnic Dialogue forum meeting in Nakuru under the aegis of the Pamoja Initiative. The Initiative that is being implemented by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is aimed at promoting national cohesion and integration and peaceful coexistence among Kenyan communities by facilitating intra and inter ethnic dialogue.
The clergy meeting at Nakuru appreciated their theological mandate to preach to all, regardless of race, tribe, social economic status or political persuasion. They therefore pledged to propagate forgiveness and tolerance among their congregants. Historically Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities in the Rift Valley have had frosty relations but that seems to have changed.
To enhance interactions and cohesion in Rift Valley, the clergy committed to implement various strategies including holding inter-ethnic pastors’ fellowship and pulpit exchanges. Other strategies will include holding joint youth camps and encouraging inter-marriages among various communities.
