KENYA: Elect deserving leaders, Bishop Appeals to Kenyans
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara, Bishop of Malindi during an interview with The Catholic Mirror
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi has called on political leaders to rise above negative ethnicity and personal interests and instead focus on uniting Kenyans and development of the country.
In an interview with The Catholic Mirror, Bishop Barbara encouraged Kenyans to vote for leaders of integrity and those with the interest of Kenyan people at heart come 2017 elections.”We would like to see nationalistic leaders, it is not enough to say “sisi watu wa Kenya (we the people of Kenya),” while their actions say otherwise.”
The Bishop appealed to Kenyans to shun negative ethnicity and violence as the Country approach the electioneering period 2017 and instead focus on making Kenya a better place by practicing responsible citizenry.
At the same time, Bishop Barbara urged the government to involve and consult the church on decisions of national importance. “The church may have different ideas other than those of the government but all with good intentions for her people,” said the Bishop.
He regretted that the church has been side lined in important issues affecting Kenyans even though it plays a big role in development of the county.
during an interview with The Catholic Mirror
“Catholic Church is the main sponsor of education and health facilities in the country.” He added.
The Bishop was specifically referring to the WHO/UNICEF sponsored tetanus immunization campaign launched in October 2013 supposedly to eradicate neonatal tetanus. It was targeted at girls and women between the ages of 14 – 49 (child bearing age) and in 60 specific districts spread all around the country.
He expressed disappointment that the Government is collaborating with the outsiders to control the population of its people without worrying about the consequences that could affect the nation in future encouraging Kenyans to listen to the church leaders on such matters so as to make informed choices
Source: The Catholic Mirror, KCCB
