KENYA: “Avoid Being Manipulated”: Citizens Warned Prior to 2022 General Elections
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As Kenyans look forward to the upcoming General Elections in the month of August, members of the Kenya Christian of being manipulated by politicians for their own gain.
The forum that brings together Christian Professionals from various denominations sharing common values on life, family, Religion, value-based education and governance work with other ecumenical partners including Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), and Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK).
“Let us avoid being manipulated on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race or other inherent or cultural characteristics. Stereotyping easily leads to hate speech whether in public or private settings, whether in social media or through whispered remarks,” Christian professionals said at the end of this year’s week of prayer for Christian unity calling all citizens to “take up the mantle of preaching peace and unity before and after the elections.”
Addressing politicians, electoral aspirants and political actors, members of the KCPF led by Mr. Charles Kanjama the Chairman and Mr. Vincent Komosop the Secretary who co-signed the statement on Tuesday, January 25, ask for involvement in “genuine and honest campaigns marked by integrity and pursuit of servant leadership.”
“We ask you to fairly communicate your character traits, your agenda, your competence and your track record. Comply with the laws, including the electoral laws,” Christian professionals whose mission is to promote and defend biblical values in society disclosed in their statement.
They warn further, “Assiduously avoid inflammatory statements, hate speech, bribery and political manipulation. Desist from acts and utterances that are likely to affect the peace and progress of our country (and) let’s all embrace political tolerance and remember that there is life after elections.”
Encouraging professionalism of politicians during campaigns the Christian professionals underscored, “Be open to engaging professionals to assist you in rolling out your campaigns, and ensure you set aside funds to pay them promptly and adequately for services received.”
They also encouraged political actors to set aside funds in the event of need for professionals for post-electoral work warning that “Professionals will not be ready to provide competent services based on unmet promises of future payment.”
In their Tuesday statement, KCPF officials urged government agencies, business people and corporates who are key stakeholders in the government space, to facilitate the common and public good in their various engagements by upholding “national values and principles of governance,” and “respecting the sanctity of life, religious freedom and family values.”
Not forgetting the role of professionals in the country, KCPF officials asked Christian professions to be salt and light at workplace and “resolve to take practical steps to pursue excellence and transformation that reflects Jesus Christ our model,” and to also “promote Christian unity by supporting each other through prayer and good works.”
Besides, they said asking the professionals to pursue their role as technical experts in matters relating to governance and social justice especially during political campaign period arguing, “Professionals have been centric in offering solutions to our country’s predicaments, but sometimes, unfortunately, have been part of the problem.”
