In Garissa County, Muslim clerics have urged political leaders to exercise caution in their language and seek peaceful ways to resolve their disputes. The leaders, led by Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, are calling on both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders in the bi-partisan committee to abandon their hardline stances and create space for unconditional talks to help move the country forward.
After the Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations at the General Mohammud Idd grounds on Friday morning, Salat said that religious leaders are willing to assist in areas where the two groups cannot reach an agreement. He also called for public participation in the process, allowing Kenyans to have a voice.
Salat emphasized that the country belongs to all Kenyans, not just politicians. Therefore, it is the leaders’ responsibility to sit together and find solutions to the issues that affect the general population.
Salat also noted that demonstrations would not bring down the cost of food, but instead would destroy the economy and disrupt the country’s peace.
On Thursday, the majority and minority leaders in the National Assembly met to address the deadlock over the composition of the bi-partisan committee, which had threatened to derail the talks. The discussions revolved around holding the negotiations outside parliament and including Eldas MP Aden Keynan in the Kenya Kwanza team.
Thousands of Muslim faithful in Garissa marked the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting.
