KENYA: Respect the decision of the Supreme Court, Bishops urge Kenyans
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman KCCB
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called on all Kenyans to abide by and respect the decision by the Supreme Court to nullify the presidential results on 1st, September, 2017and for all to implement the orders accordingly.
Bishop of Homabay during the press conference
Addressing the media at Waumini House in Nairobi on 6th, September, 2017, KCCB Chairman and the Bishop of Homabay Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo said, Kenyans should uphold the independence, dignity and integrity of the Supreme Court and Constitutional institutions even when they do not agree with their decisions.
“While every individual can criticize any institution that he or she disagrees with, attacks that diminish the integrity of the Judiciary and any other public institution should stop. We call for an end to this open intimidation and threats to the Judiciary and the Supreme Court,” he said.
Bishop Anyolo also commended Kenyans for coming out in large numbers on August 8th, 2017 to vote urging them to do the same on 17th, October 2017 to vote again for their preferred presidential candidate as announced by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He reminded the public to ensure that they engage in peaceful and respectful, to uphold national values to ensure the election is credible, free and fair and held in a peaceful manner.
Peace Commission at KCCB During the press Conference
The Bishops, applaud the National Super Alliance (NASA) for heeding the call to present their petition to the Supreme Court to be heard and determined instead of protesting in the streets, which would have led to unmitigated conflicts and violence.
“This act of filing the petition at the Supreme Court of Kenya has enhanced the place of our Institutions, especially the Supreme Court in dispute resolution, he added.
Bishop Anyolo called upon the Jubilee party leaders and other leaders to accept the ruling and stop the threats, intimidation and vendetta against the Supreme Court cautioning that, the singling out of Chief Justice David Maraga for vilification carries much more weight than criticism. “We can only build our Country together where there is goodwill,” he said.
He said the bishops have welcomed the Supreme Court ruling which asked IEBC to arrange and carry out a fresh presidential election within sixty days and urged all parties to support IEBC to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
Bishops Anyolo called on all Kenyans to develop constructive channels of dealing with the challenges IEBC is faced with and to stop attacking the Institution charged with the responsibility of managing elections.
“We, should, as a Country, learn to have amicable ways and means of registering our grievances and resolving our challenges within the time we have before October 17th. Even with the best intentions, there are actions that may not be completed in time. May the spirit of wisdom prevail,” he said.
He also urged IEBC to be highly consultative and transparent in its preparations for the forthcoming presidential election offering themselves, with the other members of the Mediation Panel of the Religious Leaders under the Multi-Sectoral Forum, to facilitate quick talks at the request of IEBC that will help build consensus and confidence around the preparations, processes and actions leading to the holding of the fresh presidential election in October 17, 2017.
“IEBC must work with utmost integrity to gain the confidence of the stakeholders and the citizens of Kenya” he said.
He reiterated the Catholic Church’s determination to continue standing for the strengthening of institutions, dialogue and mediation and peace-building to ensure that Kenya holds a free, fair and credible election as ordered by the Supreme Court.
“As your Shepherds, we are available to accompany and pray with you at every stage of the journey as we endeavor to build our Country together in one accord. Let all with one arise, with hearts both strong and true. This is our moment of patriotism and, we must show that our minds have been renewed and transformed,” he added.
Kenyan Supreme Court 1st, September, 2017 nullified the re-election of the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, ordering a new vote to be held within 60 days after its ruling that the 8th, August, 2017 ballot had been tainted by irregularities.
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By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB
