Meru Clergy addressing the Media at Gatimene Gardens in North Imenti Constituency on August 18, 2026. Photo by Dennis Dibondo. 
By Dennis Dibondo
The clergy in Meru County has called on Kenyans to maintain peace, unity and mutual respect as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Gatimene Gardens in North Imenti Constituency on Monday, Meru County clergy chairman Peter Imulu urged churches across the country to take the lead in preaching and promoting peace, reconciliation and national unity.
Imulu said political competition should never be allowed to fuel violence, hatred or destruction, urging Kenyans to respect one another despite differences in political choices.
“Political competition should not be used as an excuse for violence, hatred and destruction,” he said.
He also cautioned young people against being exploited by politicians to cause chaos during the electioneering period, stressing that peace should not be taken for granted.
“I pray for peaceful campaigns, elections and a peaceful post-election period in the General Election and as clergy from Meru,” Imulu said.
Imulu read a statement on behalf of clergy representatives from all nine constituencies in Meru County, calling on religious leaders and citizens to work together to safeguard peace before, during and after the elections.
The clergy also commended the national and county governments for development initiatives across Meru, particularly in roads, healthcare, agriculture, water and youth empowerment.
“On behalf of the Meru County clergy, we appreciate the work being undertaken by our national and county governments in different parts of the county, particularly in roads, healthcare, agriculture, water, youth empowerment and other areas that touch the lives of our people,” Imulu said.
He welcomed the ongoing upgrading of Meru Level Five Hospital to a Level Six facility, alongside improvements at Mutuati, Nyambene and Muthara hospitals.
“These are not just hospitals. They represent hope for our families, better services for our people and the future of our country,” he said.
Imulu further praised government efforts to enhance security, including the training of National Police Reservists in Ndumuru, Igembe, to help address banditry and cattle rustling.
He urged the national and county governments to maintain cooperation and ensure that ongoing development projects are completed and equitably benefit residents across all nine constituencies.
The clergy chairman also lauded what he described as growing unity among Meru’s elected leaders under Governor Mutuma M'ethingia, saying cooperation among leaders was critical to advancing the interests of residents.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all elected leaders, Members of Parliament and MCAs who have come together to work for ordinary citizens,” he said.
Imulu said Meru would be stronger if its leaders put the interests of residents above political differences.
“We may not always agree on everything, but we can disagree respectfully and still remain united,” he added.
He also cautioned against using religious differences to divide the people of Meru, urging different faiths and Christian denominations to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The clergy said sustained peace, unity and responsible political engagement would be essential in ensuring that the 2027 election period does not disrupt development or undermine the progress made in the county and the country at large.
