Kenyan Bishops call for peace during elections

Votes are still being counted from yesterday’s presidential elections in Kenya. Despite some isolated incidents of violence, the elections have so far been relatively peaceful.

Kenyans, who had waited patiently in long lines to vote, hope the poll will restore the nation's image as one of Africa's most stable democracies after tribal blood-letting killed more than 1,200 people when the result of the 2007 vote was disputed.

The Archbishop of Nairobi, Cardinal John Njue, said he hoped unity and peace would prevent a repeat of the violence. “It would be wonderful if our dear Christians and our dear Kenyans could really be able to come and be there together to reflect on that importance of the unity and peace in our country . . . so that, in the end, we shall not be enslaved again by what happened in the year 2007-2008.”

His remarks were echoed by Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu: “We entrust Kenya and the general elections to God. May God bless Kenya, may God bless the Kenyan people. May God bless us with peace.”

Nonetheless, the real test will be whether the final result, when declared, is accepted or disputed and whether candidates or their backers turn to the street or court to raise challenges.

Listen to Christopher Wells report: