AMECEA: “Conduct Your Elections Responsibly,” AMECEA Chairman to Kenyans

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

In view of the upcoming General Elections for the Republic of Kenya in the month of August 2022, the Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region, has called upon citizens of Kenya and politicians to take great responsibility during this election period not to harm either one another or the nation.

AMECEA is a pastoral solidarity body for National Episcopal Conferences covering nine countries of Eastern Africa where Kenya is a member together with other countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia and two affiliate countries: Djibouti and Somali.

“As AMECEA chairman, my office is here in Nairobi and any disruption of peace in this country affects me too,” the AMECEA chairman Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde said in an interview Wednesday, May 11, adding that “As African’s, Kenya is our country and Nairobi is our city hence we relate with love for this country.”

Referencing the post-election violence which took place in Kenya the year 2007 to 2008 that was marred with violent political, economic, humanitarian crisis leading to unlawful killings and human rights violation, Bishops Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese, Zambia said, “As you prepare for the forthcoming general elections, we do not want a repeat of what happened in 2007/2008.

“That was very embarrassing and a disgrace of the highest order,” The Bishop who has been at the helm of the association since 2018 warned Kenyans and continued, conduct your elections responsibly, campaign well knowing that we are brothers and sisters created in the image and likeness of God.”

He reminded Kenyans that being hostile and killing each other in the country is like fighting and killing family members from the same house and destroying the little that has been created as a family.

“Kenyans you have the responsibility to continue creating a conducive and serene environment for everyone knowing that when a Kenyan is troubled, other members of the AMECEA region are troubled too yet we are all members of this family of God,” the Zambian Prelate narrated asking Kenyans to safeguard the nation.

He further reminded Kenyans to understand the intention as to why people elect leaders saying, “The reason why you go for election is to elect leaders who are going to be responsible enough to govern the general citizenry.”

“If you kill those you are to govern, whom are you going to govern? He posed a concern to leaders who cause chaos that lead to fight in the country reminding citizens that “one never recovers completely from war as it leads to destruction of what God has given and what has been gained economically, politically and theologically.”

He urges Kenyans to choose leaders who will promote and bring peace among the people and those who respect others and Gods creation as well.

“Kenyans do your best, we are supporting you, we are behind you, know that your problem is our problem and once again do not make a repeat of the 2007/2008 crisis for it can be avoided if we take love as the way of leading,” the Church leader said and concluded while addressing politicians and candidates aspiring for various offices, “Remain peaceful and just in your dealings.”