2007 Elections

SDA Church Told to Declare Stand

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Published on Tuesday, 22 January 2008 18:54
Roads minister, Mr Simeon Nyachae, has called on the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to take a political stand ahead of the December 27 elections. Nyachae, himself an Adventist, took issue with the Church leadership for stating they were neutral and could therefore not back any of the presidential candidates.

"You can't be neutral when other churches are sitting on you. Stop sitting on the fence because it makes me feel bad as a follower of the Church," Nyachae advised.

Speaking at Nyamecheo Primary School Grounds in his Nyaribari-Chache constituency, where he campaigned for President Kibaki, Nyachae said there should be no neutrality.

"Those who are neutral do not have a denomination, but the Adventists follow biblical teachings like other Christians, therefore there is no way they can just watch as things happen," he added.

He said Muslims had declared their stand and even signed MoU with ODM presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga. "It is important that the Church becomes clear for all to know," Nyachae said.

The Ford-People leader, who was accompanied by his wife, Grace, insisted the Church had a duty to guide its flock on making informed choices. He said the Gusii had lost many lives in the Kuresoi clashes and called for calm, saying there was no need to fight each other, yet those fuelling the animosity were peaceful elsewhere.

Nyachae added that he was not about to quit elective politics since he had not accomplished what God wanted him to. He did not elaborate.

He warned his 19 opponents to brace themselves for a bruising battle for the Nyaribari-Chache seat. "People should not move around, saying I am medically down. I am still strong despite undergoing an operation," he said.