Nairobi, Kenya — President Mwai Kibaki has invited religious leaders to point out mistakes in government.
He said the Church should not shy away from issues of governance and its leaders were free to engage the State in constructive dialogue.
"Religious leaders, no matter their denomination, are free to work with the government in helping improve the lives of our people. You should not hesitate to tell us where we go wrong," he said.
In the recent past, there have been sharp differences between religious leaders and the government over various issues particularly the constitution making process.
President Kibaki was speaking in Murang'a during the ordination and installation of the third diocesan bishop James Wainaina Kung'u. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and five MPs.
Mr Odinga echoed the President's sentiments and said religion should go hand in hand with the political establishment in addressing problems facing the citizenry.
"If we follow the doctrine of love as taught by the church, then we can minimise cases of bloodshed as witnessed during the post-election violence," he said.