KENYA: Catholic Bishops challenge Kenyans to Choose leaders of Integrity
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, KCCB Chairman and Bishop for Homabay Diocese
Bishop for Homabay Diocese
Catholic Bishops in Kenya have noted with concern the unfolding political crisis which is evident from the ongoing Political Party Primaries and cautioned citizens to be alert and not engage in practices that are likely to fuel tension as well as political and ethnic divisions. They have called upon Kenyans to choose leaders who are God fearing, morally upright and committed to promoting human dignity and solidarity among people.
The Bishops said this on Friday 28th April, 2017 during a press conference held at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi. The Press Conference was held at the end of the Bishops Ordinary Plenary Assembly, which has been going on at the same venue throughout the week.
“What we are seeing now when the political parties are nominating those who are going to contest for the various elective seats is worrying and is a clear indication that we could be heading towards the wrong direction,” said Rt. Rev. Bishop Anyolo Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo of Homabay & KCCB Chairman,
Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa of Ngong & KCCB Vice Chairman
and Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu
during the Bishops Press Conference in Nairobi
The Bishops in their statement to the press said that the inability by most of the political parties to conduct clean and transparent elections as well as the mistrust that has been generated among politicians even of the same party leaves a lot to be desired.
“The chaotic situations we are seeing demonstrate how fragile the political system in Kenya is at the moment. It is a system that is open to manipulation and abuse by characters with no integrity and who are not mature enough to discern between what is good and evil. Such people should not have been allowed to present themselves for elective positions in the first place.”
The Bishops called upon Kenyans to shun corruption and corrupt leaders by saying no to politicians who are using their resources to bribe Kenyans to vote in their favor.
“Our dear Kenyans, if we allow corrupt people to be our leaders then we have no right to complain if all the national resources are looted and channeled into the bank accounts of very few, while millions of our people are wallowing in poverty. We want to state clearly that the greed that we are seeing, the lust for power and the uncaring attitude and arrogance that is displayed by those who have access and control our patrimony, be it at the national or county level, will be our undoing as Kenyans.”
They also challenged the Kenya electoral body the Independent Electoral Boundary Commission (IEBC) to do a better job in planning and executing the forthcoming general elections which are scheduled for August 8th 2017.
During their Press Conference in Nairobi
“Free, fair, transparent elections will result in peaceful elections that will be acceptable to all. IEBC should be firm and unequivocal in dealing with any malpractice and any individual who does not follow the law should immediately be disqualified from taking part in the elections.”
The Bishops reminded Kenyans that the destiny of the Nation is in the citizens’ hands and called upon them to be vigilant in ensuring that they vote in the right leaders who are capable of leading the Country in the way of peace and the way that will lead to greater justice and prosperity for all.
∽End∽
By Pamela Adinda
