KENYA: Catholic Bishops Amplify Hope Amidst Crises, Faced by Kenyans
Kenyan Catholic Bishops Addressing Journalists at St. Mary's Pastoral Center, Nakuru.
Elizabeth Asasha
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has rallied the nation with a message of hope and solidarity amidst the backdrop of soaring economic woes, urging the government to move swiftly and address the issues bedeviling the country.
In their latest pastoral communiqué issued on Friday, November 10, 2023, the prelates delved into the multifaceted issues crippling the nation, addressing economic strains, draconian taxes, rising insecurity, and the imperative for national unity.
“We Kenyans are ordinarily optimistic about the adverse situations we may face and this resilience is evident in the times of hardships in families and society.” Stated KCCB Chairman, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde in a preamble statement of the bishops’ statement of solidarity and hope, titled “Walking Together in Hope”.
“Nevertheless, this resilience has been greatly tested in the current period, leading many to despair and a sense of hopelessness as they try to make ends meet. Our country is facing perhaps the most acute economic strain, coupled with unemployment, drastic climatic changes, and uncertainties in direction and decisions within our governance.” He further read the details of the 9-page document appended with signatures of all the local ordinaries representing the 26 Catholic ecclesial territories in Kenya.
Four Archbishops; Philip Subira Anyolo of the Metropolitan See of Nairobi, Anthony Muheria of Nyeri Archdiocese, Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Archdiocese of Kisumu, and the conference chairman, Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa Archdiocese, took turns to share bishops’ collective stance on the state of the nation spelled out in the press statement released at the St. Mary’s Pastoral Center in Nakuru during the culmination of a week-long annual plenary.
The Proposed Digital Identification and Security Gaps
The bishops expressed ethical concerns and objections regarding the proposed digital identification project, seeking clarification and public engagement before its implementation.
According to the bishops, the mooted digital identification targets an element of violation of the human person, through the use of new technology. “Any process that involves any insertion of microchips or other digital elements, especially to new-borns, is unacceptable because this would compromise the inviolable dignity of the recipients,” noted His Grace Anyolo.
“We are further worried about the data security of the information collected through digital methods, such as iris-identification,” he added.
In their statement, the bishops revisited the doomsday prophecy Shakahola tragedy, which claimed over 400 lives highlighting security lapses, evident in incidents of insecurity and loss of lives.
The prelates collectively condemned human trafficking and the alarming increase in cases of human organ harvesting, sparking a plea for accountability and transparency from the government and a call for proactive measures to safeguard citizens and preserve human dignity.
Bipartisan Talks and National Security
Applauding ongoing bipartisan talks as a crucial initiative, the Bishops encouraged a spirit of dialogue to address deep-rooted grievances and foster national unity.
Freedom of Speech and Perennial Sticky Issues
The bishops publicly acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech and called for responsible language from leaders to prevent the erosion of trust and fueling of divisions.
NHIF, Care for the Environment, and a Call to Action
The bishops voiced concerns over the backlog of unpaid reimbursements to Mission Health Institutions, urging a clear plan to settle these arrears. Aligning with Pope Francis’s call in “Laudato Si,” they committed to engaging more actively in climate change and environmental care. A call to action resonated, urging all Kenyans to participate in tree-planting initiatives and environmental activities.
A Call to Collective Action
The Catholic Bishops acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation but emphasized
the need for collective action, from leaders to citizens, to navigate difficult times while extending a beacon of hope amidst the pressing challenges, urging citizens to unite and confront adversity.
Their rallying cry echoed through the halls of St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre: “We can rise above all these challenges and continue to build our country. May God bless Kenya!”
