The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in partnership with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the national security apparatus and all leaders to promote peace, ahead, during and after the August 9 General Election.
Addressing a press conference at Ufungamano House, Nairobi Monday, KCCB Chairman Rt. Rev John Oballa at the same time called upon all institutions and agencies that have a role to play in this general election to embrace transparency in all the elections related activities and processes.
Rev. Oballa insisted that Kenyans should play their role in a transparent and accountable manner to guarantee a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
“Transparency will also promote synergy of the engagement of different stakeholders. Kenyans have a right to know what every institution is doing on their behalf, and so all institutions must enhance their strategic public communications,” he stressed.
He advised all ministries, departments and agencies involved in the August 9 General Election to embrace dialogue by using the Multi-Sectoral approach since no agency can deliver free, fair and credible elections on its own.
Following the counter-accusations between the IEBC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Oballa stressed that the security of the nation and the elections are very crucial and solutions should be brought forward by the two bodies before time elapses. “We advise the IEBC and the National Police Service to dialogue over the subject issue with dignity, national respect and public trust,” he said.
The Chairman, urged all Kenyans to make personal commitments to promote peace and national cohesion by refusing to participate in any action or communication that can lead to hatred or violence.
We must not destroy our country so that some people get into positions of power and I would like to insist that we as Kenyans should exercise our democratic rights to vote,” Oballa urged.
Meanwhile, NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui disclosed that religious leaders across the country have held meetings to discuss how various institutions and agencies involved in the upcoming poll should consider citizens’ safety.
“The nation is in a state, where not only the leaders of various regions need to come together, but also the citizens,” said Kinyanjui.
By Bruno Rono
