5 September 2010

Nairobi — Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged political leaders to develop a new culture under the new set of laws.

Mr Musyoka said that for the new Constitution to signify change and renewal, politicians must avoid parochial politics driven by smear campaigns, name-calling and abusive language.

"We must raise the standard of our politics to match our aspirations under a new constitutional order. Things like inciting others and shouting down bishops in public forums should be a thing of the past," he said.

The Vice President was speaking on Sunday during the consecration and enthronement of Canon Joel Waweru Mwangi as the second Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Nairobi at St Stephen's Cathedral, Jogoo Road.

The ceremony was led by archbishop Eliud Wabukala, the presiding bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Mr Musyoka congratulated the new and retired bishops and recognised the role the church plays in nation building. He urged them not to be afraid to speak about corruption in the country.

At the same event, National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende called on all Kenyans to live like brothers and sisters and forget the past.

And Bishop Mwangi said the church must be relevant to the needs of the people.

The church will continue to hold the government accountable, he said, and leaders should continue the fight against graft.