The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has asked Kenyans to participate in governance and decision making processes at the local, County and National levels.
The council which held a meeting at the Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru Thursday to transact statutory business and reflect on matters of national concern, further asked Kenyans to take time to attend and contribute during public participation forums organized by different government and non-state actors, and especially raise their voices to hold leaders accountable in the execution of their mandates.
“Always remember that as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, you have a right to contribute to the making of decisions that affect your life. Let us adopt the mantra of “nothing about us without us”’, NCCK chairman Archbishop Dr. Timothy Ndambuki said.
He added that through this, every one of us will play a part in addressing pressing issues including the high cost of living, drought, famine and insecurity.
Archbishop Ndambuki thanked all Kenyans for the peaceful and calm manner they have acted during and after the 2022 General Election saying the decision each person made individually not to engage in violence is what preserved our nation.
“We urge you to continue holding onto this resolution moving into the future, so that we become a nation of peacemakers just as the Bible encourages us in Roman 12: 18,” he said.
On the elected and appointed leaders of government, NCCK has urged them to uphold integrity, while making a firm commitment to serve all Kenyans with equity, justice and fairness.
“There is a need to complete all the projects initiated by previous administrations before you initiate new ones. Do not use that position to plunder public resources so as to enrich yourself,” implored the church organization.
Archbishop Ndambuki also urged the judiciary to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done.
“When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong,” he said.
To the opposition, the Council commended them for contributing to peace and calm during the general election, but has urged them to remain vigilant, visible and vocal so as to provide checks and balances to the government
“We recognize that democracy safeguards alternative voices and opinions and as you did during the election, we encourage you to continue promoting peace and national cohesion,” the chairman said.
Archbishop Ndambuki has also come out and urged President Dr. William Ruto to promote wholesome public participation on matters affecting the people.
“We especially call to your attention the current discourse regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in which Kenyans have expressed different opinions. It will be prudent to avoid the appearance of leadership by decree and suspend the importation of GMOs, until there are adequate consultations across the country,” he said.
In the meantime, Archbishop Ndambuki called on the government to intensify adoption of alternative measures to ensure the food security of all Kenyans.
According to the NCCK, their meeting this time round, which was preceded by an Ecumenical Carol Service reflected on the centrality of participation of all people in matters of concern to the community, recognizing that all people are made in the image of God and therefore each has a critical role to play.
By Wangari Ndirangu
