KENYA: Church Leaders Reflect on the State of the Nation in their Easter Message

As
religious leaders, we are perplexed and dismayed by the rising insecurity and
terrorist attacks especially targeted at innocent Kenyans and Christians in
their places of worship.  The
influx of guns and other dangerous weapons into the country is very alarming.
We appreciate the efforts of the security forces, and realize several have lost
their lives in the efforts of restoring order.

However there seems to be
reluctance and lack of vigilance in some security personnel causing illegal
arms to increase and criminal elements to operate freely in our country. Although
we acknowledge the determination on the part of government in the fight against
terrorism, we call upon the security agencies to handle the ongoing operation
in a humane manner; the dignity of life should at all times remain a priority.

The
current operation must not be seen as targeting any religion, tribe or
nationality but aimed at fighting terrorism and other forms of crime.   In
this regard, we call upon the Government to expand the on-going operation to
include other facets of insecurity such as armed robbery, cattle rustling, extermination
of wildlife, rape, kidnappings and petty crimes.  It
must address the link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the
direct link between rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime. 

We
are aware that behind every illegal immigrant stands a corrupt or negligent government
official; and behind every illegal firearm there lies a tale of corruption and
negligence. It is all clear that the high number of unemployed youth is fertile
ground for terror groups to recruit. We
cannot stand aside as so many lives continue to be lost. We urge the President
and all relevant government agencies to intensify their ongoing efforts and
ensure a safe country for us and future generations.   

We
urge you fellow Kenyans to be vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement
agencies. We further appeal to all leaders to refrain from utterances that may
divide people along religious, political, or ethnic lines.

 2.      Education

The
growing wave of terror and crime in the country is closely related to the
radicalization of our youth. We fear that at this rate some of our learning
institutions have gradually been transformed into centers of radicalization.

In
this regard, we, the mainstream Christian Church leaders, who are major
stakeholders in the education sector, wish to revisit our earlier sentiments on
the Education Act 2013 which undermines our role in the schools we sponsor. For
a long time, our schools have strived to inculcate values that promote national
cohesion and good citizenly.

However in its current form, certain provisions of
the Education Act 2013 have stripped us of our rightful position to oversee the
management of sponsored public schools. We have since made proposals on how to
rectify these unacceptable provisions. These include participation in the
management, administration and ownership of these schools.

The
menace of alcohol, drug abuse and high levels of violence amongst other vices
in learning institutions calls for an increased role of faith-based
organizations in the management of these institutions. Recent
happenings have taught us that our children don’t just go to school to get
education but holistic formation which determines what type of citizens they
grow to become. We must therefore strengthen the role of churches in schools to
ensure our educational institutions bring out responsible, God fearing citizens.

3.     
Corruption and other Challenges in the New Constitution

Our dear Kenyans, we are aware of the challenges facing the
implementation of the new constitution having listened to the debate on the
soaring wage bill and other challenges at the national and county government. We acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services
and resources closer to the people since independence.

We however recognise and
lament that corruption seems to also have been devolved and a noble ides risks
being hijacked by selfish individuals. It is sad that incessant power plays, and fight over control of
resources between parliament, Senate, Governors and County Assemblies seems to
be sapping all energies from delivering services to Kenyans. We call for a united front against corruption in the central and county
government, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and power games and
concentrate on service delivery. We wish to inform Kenyans that we are consulting amongst ourselves and
will soon make our stand known on the several governance challenges facing the
central government and the counties. 

4.     
Praying for Peace During Easter

Finally, our dear Christians and all Kenyans, as we begin the Holy week
and the Easter period, we urge you to continue praying for a peaceful
prosperous country and unity for a better tomorrow. We appeal to drivers and all road users to exercise prudence and caution
during this Easter period and always. Far too many Kenyans continue to lose
their lives in avoidable accidents. Despite the weighty issues that we are facing, the Eastertide presents
us with a renewed hope of what the future holds.

As we celebrate Easter, may the passion and resurrection of Christ bring
us lasting peace, love and unity in a country founded on Christian values and
respect for God.

We echo the prayer of our national anthem;

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender

May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty

Plenty be found within our borders

             Chairman, Kenya
Conference of Catholic Bishops 

            Archbishop of the Anglican Church of
Kenya

            Presiding Bishop-Methodist Church in
Kenya

             Moderator of the General
Assembly,

           
             Presbyterian Church of East Africa

            Representative- National
Council of Churches of Kenya