KENYA: Catholic Bishops Call for the Restructuring of the Government Intelligence Department
The Catholic
Bishops of Kenya have expressed their fear over recent deaths that have been
Bishops of Kenya have expressed their fear over recent deaths that have been
|
| HE John Cardinal Njue (right) and Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth |
witnessed in the country in the recent past and thus, call on the President to
consider the restructuring of the intelligence department of the government.
Speaking at
a press conference held in Nairobi on 9th May 2014 at the end of
their week-long ordinary plenary assembly held at St. Thomas Aquinas Major
Seminary, the Chairman of the conference His Eminence John Cardinal Njue said
that “the country is experiencing what can be described as an emerging culture
of death where too many Kenyans have lost their lives either through terrorist
attacks, road accidents, robberies, suicides, illicit brews or in some cases
famine.”
Kenya has
been on the spotlight in the recent past following a terrorist attack in
Mombasa and Nairobi on 3rd and 4th May respectively and
before the dust could settle on the terrorist issue, dozens of people were
killed and others hospitalized after taking illicit brew which was alleged to
have high percentage of methanol.
been on the spotlight in the recent past following a terrorist attack in
Mombasa and Nairobi on 3rd and 4th May respectively and
before the dust could settle on the terrorist issue, dozens of people were
killed and others hospitalized after taking illicit brew which was alleged to
have high percentage of methanol.
The Cardinal
said that while the Catholic Church condoles with the families of the bereaved
and wish those in hospitals quick recovery, the Bishops are once again reminding
the Government of its duty to protect human lives and reiterate their earlier
call to his Excellency the President to consider reconstituting the
intelligence arm of the country.
said that while the Catholic Church condoles with the families of the bereaved
and wish those in hospitals quick recovery, the Bishops are once again reminding
the Government of its duty to protect human lives and reiterate their earlier
call to his Excellency the President to consider reconstituting the
intelligence arm of the country.
The Bishops also
urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcement
agencies and report all suspicious elements in the society. They also urged for
protection of security agents some of who are being threatened in the line of
duty, “We remind them to carry out security operations within the confines of
the law,” the Cardinal said. The Bishops also appealed to all leaders to
refrain from utterances that may divide people along religious, political, or
ethnic lines.
urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcement
agencies and report all suspicious elements in the society. They also urged for
protection of security agents some of who are being threatened in the line of
duty, “We remind them to carry out security operations within the confines of
the law,” the Cardinal said. The Bishops also appealed to all leaders to
refrain from utterances that may divide people along religious, political, or
ethnic lines.
Apart from
issues of insecurity, the bishops also talked about their concern over the
increasing cases of corrupting in the country. “We are disturbed by reports of
grand corruption at the National and County government levels. While we
acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services and
resources closer to the people since our independence, it is disturbing that
the country seems to have also devolved corruption to the counties and selfish
individuals are taking full advantage to line their pockets,” The bishops said.
issues of insecurity, the bishops also talked about their concern over the
increasing cases of corrupting in the country. “We are disturbed by reports of
grand corruption at the National and County government levels. While we
acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services and
resources closer to the people since our independence, it is disturbing that
the country seems to have also devolved corruption to the counties and selfish
individuals are taking full advantage to line their pockets,” The bishops said.
The bishops
therefore appealed for a united front against corruption in the Central and
County Governments, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and power
games and concentrate on service delivery. The government must also address the
link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct link between
rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
therefore appealed for a united front against corruption in the Central and
County Governments, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and power
games and concentrate on service delivery. The government must also address the
link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct link between
rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
Not forgetting
the conflict that is going on in the neighboring country of South Sudan, the
bishops said that “Tales and images of bodies of men, women and children
littering villages and towns in Africa’s youngest nation can no longer be
ignored.”
the conflict that is going on in the neighboring country of South Sudan, the
bishops said that “Tales and images of bodies of men, women and children
littering villages and towns in Africa’s youngest nation can no longer be
ignored.”
“While
sending our message of solidarity to the people of South Sudan through the
Catholic Church in the country which has invested an unimaginable amount of
money to improve the social and pastoral welfare of the people, we urge
regional bodies and the international community to act and bring the warring
sides together to reach an amicable resolution and help save lives.” The
bishops said.
sending our message of solidarity to the people of South Sudan through the
Catholic Church in the country which has invested an unimaginable amount of
money to improve the social and pastoral welfare of the people, we urge
regional bodies and the international community to act and bring the warring
sides together to reach an amicable resolution and help save lives.” The
bishops said.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications and KCCB
____________________________________________________________________________________
Below is the
full statement of the Bishops
full statement of the Bishops
Press statement by
the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
Fear
Not, It is I, says the Lord (Mathew 14: 27)
Not, It is I, says the Lord (Mathew 14: 27)
Preamble,
Our
dear Christians, fellow Kenyans and all people of goodwill, we, the Catholic
Bishops in Kenya, meeting at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi,
greet you in the name of Our Risen Lord.
dear Christians, fellow Kenyans and all people of goodwill, we, the Catholic
Bishops in Kenya, meeting at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi,
greet you in the name of Our Risen Lord.
We
find ourselves in a situation of the ‘Rule of fear’ where our normal activities
are being carried out in fear. During our weeklong stay here for our Ordinary
Plenary Assembly, we have taken stock of the state of the nation, reflected
deeply on the direction our country is taking and identified the following
issues of great concern;
find ourselves in a situation of the ‘Rule of fear’ where our normal activities
are being carried out in fear. During our weeklong stay here for our Ordinary
Plenary Assembly, we have taken stock of the state of the nation, reflected
deeply on the direction our country is taking and identified the following
issues of great concern;
1. An Emerging
Culture of Death
Culture of Death
Our
country is experiencing what can be described as an emerging culture of death.
In the past few weeks we have lost too many Kenyans either through terrorist
attacks, road accidents, robberies, suicides, illicit brews or in some cases
famine. Just this week alone, more than 100 Kenyans have died after consuming
illicit alcohol. Our people cannot board public transport or even go to the
market and be assured of getting back home alive. The influx of guns and other
dangerous weapons into the country is alarming.
country is experiencing what can be described as an emerging culture of death.
In the past few weeks we have lost too many Kenyans either through terrorist
attacks, road accidents, robberies, suicides, illicit brews or in some cases
famine. Just this week alone, more than 100 Kenyans have died after consuming
illicit alcohol. Our people cannot board public transport or even go to the
market and be assured of getting back home alive. The influx of guns and other
dangerous weapons into the country is alarming.
Suddenly,
Kenyans cannot go to places of worship without fear. A country that has for
years been called the oasis of peace in the region has become u terrorist
playground. The current state of insecurity is unacceptable. One would think we
are in a state of emergency.
Kenyans cannot go to places of worship without fear. A country that has for
years been called the oasis of peace in the region has become u terrorist
playground. The current state of insecurity is unacceptable. One would think we
are in a state of emergency.
We
condole with the families of the bereaved and wish those in hospitals quick recovery;
we are at a loss for words to describe our sense of loss. We once again remind
the Government of its duty to protect human lives and reiterate our earlier
call to his Excellency the President to consider reconstituting the
intelligence arm of the country.
condole with the families of the bereaved and wish those in hospitals quick recovery;
we are at a loss for words to describe our sense of loss. We once again remind
the Government of its duty to protect human lives and reiterate our earlier
call to his Excellency the President to consider reconstituting the
intelligence arm of the country.
We
urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcement
agencies and report all suspicious elements in the society so that quick action
can be taken against those bent on causing harm or endangering the lives of the
people. Security is a matter that concerns all of us. We expect the rule of law
to be upheld by all because violence begets violence. While urging for protection
of security agents some of who are being threatened in the line of duty, we remind
them to carry out security operations within the confines of the law.
urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcement
agencies and report all suspicious elements in the society so that quick action
can be taken against those bent on causing harm or endangering the lives of the
people. Security is a matter that concerns all of us. We expect the rule of law
to be upheld by all because violence begets violence. While urging for protection
of security agents some of who are being threatened in the line of duty, we remind
them to carry out security operations within the confines of the law.
We
further appeal to all leaders to refrain from utterances that may divide people
along religious, political, or ethnic lines.
further appeal to all leaders to refrain from utterances that may divide people
along religious, political, or ethnic lines.
2. Corruption and
Governance
Governance
We
are disturbed by reports of grand corruption at the National and County government
levels. While we acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring
services and resources closer to the people since our independence, it is
disturbing that the country seems to have also devolved corruption to the
counties and selfish individuals are taking full advantage to line their
pockets.
are disturbed by reports of grand corruption at the National and County government
levels. While we acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring
services and resources closer to the people since our independence, it is
disturbing that the country seems to have also devolved corruption to the
counties and selfish individuals are taking full advantage to line their
pockets.
We
are yet to see solid development at the counties despite increase in wages and
personal emoluments straining the national budget which leads us to ask: was
devolution meant to benefit a few Kenyans or everyone? The Catholic Church
warns that our earlier fears that the County Governments would be centres of
ethnic profiling and cleansing where people from presumed wrong ethnicity are
sacked in droves have been confirmed. We urge and remind all Governors and
county Officials that such conduct is inhuman and dangerous for the counties
and the nation and this cannot be tolerated.
are yet to see solid development at the counties despite increase in wages and
personal emoluments straining the national budget which leads us to ask: was
devolution meant to benefit a few Kenyans or everyone? The Catholic Church
warns that our earlier fears that the County Governments would be centres of
ethnic profiling and cleansing where people from presumed wrong ethnicity are
sacked in droves have been confirmed. We urge and remind all Governors and
county Officials that such conduct is inhuman and dangerous for the counties
and the nation and this cannot be tolerated.
The
emerging trend where Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) are threatening
Governors and other County Government Officials with impeachment at the
slightest provocation or when their interests are not met is too dangerous for
our nation.
emerging trend where Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) are threatening
Governors and other County Government Officials with impeachment at the
slightest provocation or when their interests are not met is too dangerous for
our nation.
We
warn that Kenya’s new system of governance cannot hold if the culture of intolerance,
impeachment and dismissals continues. We appeal for more sobriety and
professionalism in handling county governments. Emerging reports that the
Government is considering making a payment of colossal sums of money to the
Anglo-leasing contracts are deeply saddening.
warn that Kenya’s new system of governance cannot hold if the culture of intolerance,
impeachment and dismissals continues. We appeal for more sobriety and
professionalism in handling county governments. Emerging reports that the
Government is considering making a payment of colossal sums of money to the
Anglo-leasing contracts are deeply saddening.
It
is fresh in our minds that government officials told Kenyans that Anglo Leasing
was a ghost company, money that had been paid was refunded and no more payment
was to be made. How long will corruption be allowed to thrive in Kenya? We urge
the President to lead from the front bringing an end to this blatant robbery
from poor Kenyans.
is fresh in our minds that government officials told Kenyans that Anglo Leasing
was a ghost company, money that had been paid was refunded and no more payment
was to be made. How long will corruption be allowed to thrive in Kenya? We urge
the President to lead from the front bringing an end to this blatant robbery
from poor Kenyans.
Corruption
of our police force has made all efforts of bringing sanity to our roads and
contain insecurity total sterile. We call for dismissal and prosecution of all
those involved in corrupt deals at all levels of government beginning from the
top.
of our police force has made all efforts of bringing sanity to our roads and
contain insecurity total sterile. We call for dismissal and prosecution of all
those involved in corrupt deals at all levels of government beginning from the
top.
In
the meantime, we appeal for a united front against corruption in the Central
and County Governments, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and
power games and concentrate on service delivery. The government must also
address the link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct
link between rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
the meantime, we appeal for a united front against corruption in the Central
and County Governments, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and
power games and concentrate on service delivery. The government must also
address the link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct
link between rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
“The
poor and the poorest people are accused of violence, yet without equal opportunities
the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for
growth and eventually explode,” (Pope Benedict XVI, Africae Munus No 59)
poor and the poorest people are accused of violence, yet without equal opportunities
the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for
growth and eventually explode,” (Pope Benedict XVI, Africae Munus No 59)
3. Conflict in South
Sudan
Sudan
As
a neighbor and sister country, the conflict in South Sudan is greatly disturbing.
Tales and images of bodies of men, women and children littering villages and
towns in Africa’s youngest nation can no longer be ignored. Many innocent lives
have been lost and there is the real threat of this escalating into another genocide
on African soil. The tragic happenings in Rwanda 20 years ago are still fresh
in our minds and we should not let this happen again.
a neighbor and sister country, the conflict in South Sudan is greatly disturbing.
Tales and images of bodies of men, women and children littering villages and
towns in Africa’s youngest nation can no longer be ignored. Many innocent lives
have been lost and there is the real threat of this escalating into another genocide
on African soil. The tragic happenings in Rwanda 20 years ago are still fresh
in our minds and we should not let this happen again.
While
sending our message of solidarity to the people of South Sudan through the
Catholic Church in the country which has invested an unimaginable amount of
money to improve the social and pastoral welfare of the people, we urge
regional bodies and the international community to act and bring the warring
sides together to reach an amicable resolution and help save lives.
sending our message of solidarity to the people of South Sudan through the
Catholic Church in the country which has invested an unimaginable amount of
money to improve the social and pastoral welfare of the people, we urge
regional bodies and the international community to act and bring the warring
sides together to reach an amicable resolution and help save lives.
4. Conclusion
Dear
Kenyans and people of good will, speaking to you as the Catholic Bishops in
Kenya at this moment when our country is faced with numerous challenges, we
urge you to remain prayerful and vigilant. – Be your brothers’/sisters’ keeper
and let us work towards the common good.
Kenyans and people of good will, speaking to you as the Catholic Bishops in
Kenya at this moment when our country is faced with numerous challenges, we
urge you to remain prayerful and vigilant. – Be your brothers’/sisters’ keeper
and let us work towards the common good.
We
will however, never tire of reminding the Government of its constitutional mandate
to protect lives and provide basic services. This duty cannot be delegated or
ignored. Let us all submit to God’s will through unity of love and faith
grounded in Christ Jesus who is our Lord and redeemer so that we can have a
secure, prosperous country.
will however, never tire of reminding the Government of its constitutional mandate
to protect lives and provide basic services. This duty cannot be delegated or
ignored. Let us all submit to God’s will through unity of love and faith
grounded in Christ Jesus who is our Lord and redeemer so that we can have a
secure, prosperous country.
May
the Lord guide you and keep you safe during this Eastertide and
the Lord guide you and keep you safe during this Eastertide and
Always
Signed
____________________
____________________
His
Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Archbishop
of Nairobi
of Nairobi
Chairman-Kenya
Conference of Catholic Bishops
Conference of Catholic Bishops
