Catholic bishops have appealed to President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to pursue a peaceful resolution of the current political stalemate and hold talks.

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) says it is willing to engage in talks with President Ruto and Raila to find a lasting resolution that will end the ongoing demos.

Led by KCCB chairperson Archbishop Martin Kivuva, the catholic clergymen indicated that they had unsuccessfully attempted to reach the two leaders over the current stalemate.

“We have tried to reach out to both of them but we have not managed to see them face to face because of the activities of this week. But if they say they are ready this week we will be there,” said Archbishop Kivuva.

Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria called on the warring sides to resume dialogue and involve members of the clergy to reach an amicable solution to the anti-government demos.

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“Kenyans and our leaders must be willing to listen to each other for the sake of our country. We demand the failed bipartisan talks should be resumed in a different context that brings on board religious leaders and some eminent persons and bodies,” stated Muheria.

Muheria called for peace to avert any further loss of life, property and peace in Kenya.

“We believe there is no problem that cannot be solved without dialogue. No further blood should be shed.”

The catholic bishops further appealed to President Ruto to repeal the recently assented to Finance Act saying it was adding majority of Kenyans extra burden and is unsustainable.

“We ask the president to repeal the Finance Act and institute a process that will seek to achieve the same goals in the context of the current economic situation,” added Muheria.

This comes as wide protests called by Raila rocked the country on Wednesday amid arrests of prominent opposition figures and violent confrontations between protesters and police

Through the demos, called for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Raila vows to continue pushing until the Ruto administration tackles the high cost of living and electoral concerns.