KENYA: Bishops in Kenya Warn Youths Against Intolerance, Divisive Rhetoric
Sr Henriette Anne, FSSA
As the plight for change continues in Kenya, the Catholic Bishops in their Monday, July 15, statement have urged the youth to remain open-minded and liberal but cautioning them of the dangers of intolerance and divisiveness.
“We therefore exhort you to remember that besides driving for better systems we must drive for social systems that respect God. There is a real risk that as you push for a truly transformative agenda, you become intolerant to ideas and visions that are not similar to yours. Intolerance leads to divisive conversations that can degenerate into anarchy,” reads part of the bishops’ message after their meeting at Donum Dei, Nairobi.
They asked Gen Z’s to be flexible and give room to be corrected especially on the use of some vulgar and improper slogans saying, “We ask you to be cautious that you do not hurt others, which might turn against your great agenda for a better country. Be inclusive and supportive of constructive ideas and conversations.”
The Church leaders therefore asked young people who are at the centre of the Anti-government protest which commenced last month, to be open to inclusive conversations so they can be enriched by perspectives that may not be obvious to them.
In doing so they said, “Become attentive to the laws of God and bear true respect for others. We all have made mistakes, no one can claim to be faultless.”
Having succeeded in spearheading the protest against the controversial Finance Bill 2024, the bishops have commended Generation Z (Gen Z’s which popularly refer to young people born between 1995 and 2009), for articulating social issues and driving change.
“We, the Catholic Bishops, commend you for articulating many issues that Kenyans resonate with. You have been instrumental in driving change and highlighting our social ills,” They said and continued, “You have elicited a national even global conversation on what it means to be a democracy, the kind of leadership that should spur creativity and opportunities for citizens, the values and principles that define our public institutions. We thank you and continue to support you in aspiring for good in our society”.
Additionally, the prelates reminded the young people of the principles of democracy and the importance of building a nation on the same values as they strive to fight against evil practices in the country.
“As we strive to rid our country of the evil practices and tendencies, we must keep in mind that our aims and objectives for a greater nation must be firmly built on principles of democracy,” they highlighted and stressed, “We must therefore be guided by those same principles that will safeguard the values we aspire for. We should endeavor to strengthen the institutions that represent our democracy rather than destroy them”.
Addressing the rising cases of abduction in the country, the bishops stressed that Kenya is a country that is governed by laws, condemning the practice, and calling upon those giving orders to take personal responsibility.
“Based on this lawlessness by law enforcers, the horrible and graphic images of abductions we have witnessed in the past three weeks are disheartening. Those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility. We are a country with laws that govern how law and order should be dispensed. This is illegal and criminal. It must stop”.
While acknowledging the challenges and promising events of the past weeks, members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called for introspection among Kenyans and urged the nation to pursue collective good as they emphasized the need to move towards light and away from darkness, guided by Christ the ultimate light.
