The National Council of Churches of Kenya(NCCK) has called for the reconstitution of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC).
In a Press briefing held in Limuru on Thursday June 27, 2024, NCCK argues that this will secure the electoral future of the nation.
“We urge His Excellency President William Ruto and concerned stakeholders to hear the cry of the people of Kenya and facilitate
completion of the process to appoint of the IEBC commissioners,” read the statement that was read by NCCK Secretary General Canon Chris Kinyanjui.
According to NCCK, Kenyans in constituencies and wards that have been unable to hold by-elections are
suffering injustice, and the boundaries review process is yet to be done.
The Council argues that this process must
be completed without further delay.
While thanking Kenyans, and especially the youth, for the commitment to engage in electoral and governance matters, NCCK noted that this is essential in shaping the future of the nation.
The clergy addressed press after The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held
its statutory meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, over the last
two days.
During the meeting, the Executive Committee recognized that the nation of Kenya is at a critical moment of redefining and reshaping her identity, ethos and future.
“The Kenya of the next fifty years is being shaped now, and it is of cardinal importance that all Kenyans play their part. The NCCK affirms that we requested for an appointment and met with His Excellency
President William Ruto on Wednesday June 26, 2024 agenda of the meeting being to present our concerns over the failure by government to listen to Kenyans with regard to the Finance Bill 2024 and police brutality in the ongoing demonstrations.
In the meeting, NCCK states that The President committed that the Bill would be withdrawn, that the police would cease brutality on the demonstrators, and the military would not be deployed.
“Kenya is a very youthful country, with those aged below 35 years constituting 79% of the
population. This is the population that has the biggest stake in the nation today and in
future. It is therefore a major concern that the youth are highly deprived with regard to
education, life skills and employment. If this status is not remedied, the risk of sinking into social chaos is very high. We therefore call upon all institutions and leaders to focus more than 80 percent of their
efforts and resources on empowering the youth to have dignified livelihoods and to be
equipped for leadership. The first step in this process is listening to the youth and creating platforms for them to shape the nation they desire to live in,” stated NCCK.
This even as on their part as the NCCK, the churches have committed to establish centers of excellence for the youth to acquire skills and opportunities for creating pathways for dignified livelihoods and creation of resilient communities.
In addition, each of member churches will develop youth led, youth owned and youth
focused programs of action premised on the basis of the principle of “nothing for
the youth without the youth”.
NCCK will also organize people-driven multi- sectorial economic forums at the local levels, culminating in a national economic conference in which Kenyans will analyze the current economic state of the nation, identify what is ailing us, and find solutions
for a better future.
There shall be also review and enhance budgets and programs to increase resources for youth work and youth programs in churches.
Members will continue spearheading capacity building of the youth and other members of the church for enhanced citizen participation for strengthened public accountability.
Meanwhile, in shaping the future of the nation, it is of absolute importance that the political leadership listens to the people so as to honor their will.
“In this regard, we in the National Council of
Churches of Kenya are mourning with deep sadness the deaths of dozens of Kenyans
who have been killed by police during demonstrations. We pass our condolences to the families that have been bereaved by these unnecessary deaths, and are praying for quick recovery for all those injured,” they stated.
According to the churches, the killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police is totally unacceptable. It must never be repeated.
The churches have called upon the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special seating for the members to respond to the Memorandum by the President so that the Finance Bill 2024 is repealed.
They have also called for no further bloodshed, adding that the youth of Kenya have come out to exercise their right to peaceful picketing as they enhance their participation in national life.
“We demand that the state stops curtailing this right by use of police and the military. In addition, the abduction and clandestine arrest of youthful actors must be stopped. All the youths who have been arrested during the demonstrations must be unconditionally released immediately. It is especially of concern to us that despite a Court Order, the military has been deployed
in different parts of Nairobi. We demand that the government commits to obey the
law and allow the Kenyans to peacefully express their aspirations,” stated the clergy.
The NCCK also revealed that plans are on with member churches to mark 7 days of mourning to remember and honor the young heroes who have died as they exercised their right to participate in governance of the nation. The days of mourning will commence Friday June, 28 and culminate in memorial services in the churches on Sunday July 7, 2024.