NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Peaceful voting and an impressive turnout are buoying this East African country’s clergy, who made a energetic effort to quell the often fatal violence that Kenyans fear on election days.
In the weeks before Tuesday’s election (Aug. 8), ethnic tensions ran high, prompting religious leaders — Christian and Muslim — to preach for peace. Memories of the 2007 election in particular, which sparked violence that resulted in at least 1,300 deaths, are still fresh.
Clergy seemed almost to will a better outcome this year.
“We are confident peace will prevail. We still call for peaceful voting,” said Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa, who noted the strong turnout in his region. “There is a lot of work that has been done to sensitize the people on the importance of maintaining peace.”
Lines formed early morning across the country, with thousands braving morning drizzle in Nairobi to cast their ballots. The voters came despite the weather and fears of violence. Kalu attributed the strong turnout to voter education, carried out by churches and other religious and secular groups.
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