KENYA: Catholic Bishops advocate for peaceful elections as this year’s Lenten campaign is launched
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) shall launch the Lenten Campaign 2017, at the University Of Nairobi Graduation Square on 25th, February, 2017.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “peaceful and credible elections… leaders of integrity” in view of the forthcoming general election scheduled for 8th, August, 2017. It is an opportunity for the faithful to pray for peaceful and credible elections.
The Launch shall begin with a double procession at 7.30am from the GPO and from Consolata Shrine-Westlands to the University of Nairobi Graduation Square where the Holy Mass will be celebrated starting at 10:00 a.m. and there after the launch of the Lenten Campaign and blessing of the placards with peace messages from various groups within the church.
The Mass will be officiated by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue and concelebrated by the Chairman of KCCB-Commission for Justice and Peace Rt. Rev. Cornelius Korir among other bishops and priests drawn from various dioceses in the Kenya.
Others expected to grace the occasion include the head of State, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta among other leaders from different political divides.
Earlier in the month while addressing the media during a breakfast meeting in a bid to ensure peaceful elections, Rt. Rev Alfred Rotich said the 2017 Lenten Campaign is a wakeup call to our Politicians, citizens and those responsible for managing Elections that electoral integrity is the foundation of a cohesive and prosperous Nation.
Bishop Rotich urged the media to strive to be instruments of Peace in their own capacities throughout the electioneering period adding that, the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Kenya are taking an active responsibility in ensuring that their role moves beyond merely observing elections to supporting dialogue for sustainable peace, institutional reforms and most importantly praying for Peace and Unity in the Nation.
“The responsibility of ensuring that the elections are peaceful and credible cannot be shouldered by the church alone, hence the need for all actors and influencers especially the media so that we can make concerted efforts to ensure each of us plays a role, this is very critical;” Bishop Rotich said.
Bishop Rotich expressed fear that this year depending on how the elections process is conducted, there is a great potential to plunge the country back into violent conflict as was witnessed in post 2007 election violence.
“We are already witnessing inciting statements from political class that can lead to violent confrontations. It is therefore important to put in place efforts so that the past gains in regards to political stabilization and democratization is not eroded,” he said.
The season of lent refers to 40 days of reflection, repentance, fasting and alms giving preceding Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday. During this period, The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops – General Secretariat (KCCB-GS) through the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) identifies issues affecting Kenyans and rallies an estimated 11 million Catholics and other people of good will to join hands in discussing these issues and help in give solutions.
By Rose Achiego
