KENYA: Joint Statement by Leaders of Mainstream Christian Churches on Insecurity

MAINSTREAM CHRISTIAN CHURCHES FORUM

‘COME LET US REASON TOGETHER’

Behold
how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in Unity (Psalms 133:1)

We the
leaders of the Mainstream Christian Churches in Kenya  comprising of the Catholic Church, the
Anglican Church of Kenya, the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Africa, Methodist
Church in Kenya, Africa Inland Church and 
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), have taken stock of the
State of the Nation and reflected deeply on the direction our Country is
taking.
 

We have
watched in recent days as politicians who promised and swore that never again
would Kenya walk the sad road of ethnic violence of 2007/2008,   move around inciting Kenyans against one
another and causing unnecessary tensions. Elected and appointed leaders must
make a distinction between politics and statesmanship; while the former pursues
short term self- gratifying interests the latter strives for long term vision
for the Country.

 

Leaders of the Mainstream Christian Churches with President Uhuru Kenyata (centre) during their visit to state house on 19 June 2014

It grieves
to helplessly witness the spate of insecurity undergo a metamorphosis from the
awakening of outlawed militia groups, to infiltration of illegal immigrants, to
radical religious insurgents and blatant terrorist attacks. The situation has spiraled
to affect other key industries in the Country including tourism, trade and
international relations.

 

As shepherds
of the flock of Christ, we are holding meetings with all leaders to seek
solutions to the problems affecting Kenyans.

 

We
therefore make the following message to Kenyans;

1. We send
our deepest condolences to the families, friends and relatives of those who
were killed in the recent attacks in Mpeketoni, Baringo and other affected
parts of the country. While we understand that no compensation can bring back
their loved ones to life, we urge the government and other people of good to
assist the families cater for hospital and funeral bills and other humanitarian
needs. 

 

2. We urge
the government to ensure that those responsible for criminal and terror attacks
are arrested and prosecuted. In the absence of satisfactory action, top
security agents should be tasked to fulfill their mandate of providing security
satisfactorily to the people of Kenya.

 

3. We call
upon   the President and the leader of
CORD to call off    all political
rallies, meetings and demonstrations unconditionally and indefinitely.

 

4.We are
aware of the challenges the Country is facing among them aforementioned
insecurity, rising cost of living, unemployment, corruption, drugs and
substance abuse among others. We therefore appeal for an all- inclusive
dialogue through the available county and national government channels in an
amicable and respectful manner. The calls for meaningful dialogue should be
devoid of threats and ultimatums.

 

We call upon all Kenyans:

•To cease
from spreading rumours, incitement and inflammatory and derogatory remarks of
any kind that may spiral to ethnic violence due to the volatile atmosphere.  The name calling, and ethnic profiling on
social media and other public places should stop. 
 

•To obey the
rule of law, respect and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all its institutions. 
 

•To exercise
patriotism and seek to uphold national unity for the sake of development and
the well-being of all. With the political, social, economic, religious and any
other differences amongst us, we should acknowledge that we are united by one
country- Kenya. 
 

As leaders
of the mainstream churches in Kenya, we shall not allow our churches and
religious functions to be platforms for peddling inflammatory remarks, abuse
and disharmony. 

 

Conclusion

We write
this statement with heavy hearts, but in full reliance and courage from God
whom we serve. We believe He will grant us peace and tranquility in this our
beloved Country.

 

Kenya our
land which we received back at independence is precious to us. This land we
treasure is not simply ours alone to do whatever we desire. We are stewards who
hold the land in trust from God for the benefit of future generations. Thus, it
must be cared for and its wealth carefully stewarded for the benefit of all. 

 

God
Bless Kenya and Protect Us All!

 

Signed       

1. His Eminence, John Cardinal
Njue; Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops  

SOURCE: KCCB, Waumini
Communications