The
Churches Council has asked the government to end the escalating insecurity in Laikipia county.
The
National Churches Council of Kenya on Wednesday said the situation is getting
worse.
The
NCCK officials led by Central regional chairman Julius Karanu were speaking at
Mt Kenya Guest House in Nyeri town.
“Tension
is still high as the attack on ranches continues and businessmen have been
killed. Also worrying are reports that some community members are being
threatened and have been ordered to leave the area before the elections. We
urged police to safeguard not only lives of the people but also the integrity
of the 2017 general elections,” said the churches.
On
Wednesday six police officers were shot dead by suspected Pokot bandits in the
county.
County
Commissioner Onesmus Mwaniki said the affected officers are based at Kamwenje
patrol base in Laikipia West.
The
officers were ambushed in a convoy of two vehicles while heading towards
Kamwenje.
"The
attackers robbed the officers of five G3 riffles, an AK-47 gun and one Jericho
pistol.
Karanu
also challenged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to have those
issuing threats prosecuted.
The
churches also called for Kenyans to keep peace before, during and after
elections.
“We
encourage all Kenyans to appreciate that in democratic elections, each
candidate has a chance to win or lose. It is likely that your candidate of
choice will lose the election and there you need to be psychologically prepared
for such an eventuality,” he added.
The
NCCK Central region encompasses Embu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia and
Nyandarua counties
