Diffuse this Tension: Press Statement

Press Statement

Diffuse this Tension

 Preamble

Elders, Church, Women and Youth leaders from different communities living in Rift Valley and Nyanza regions have met here at the Reformed Church of East Africa Guest House on 25^th June 2014 to reflect on the state of cohesion and integration in our region.

The meeting was the latest in the series of inter ethnic dialogue forums organized under the Pamoja Initiative being implemented by the NCCK which seeks to strengthen the framework for peace and reconciliation in the country. It brought together representatives from Luo, Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities.

We now wish to share the following message with the nation.

 1.      Call for National Dialogue

We are cognizant that Kenya as a country is fragmented and cohesion is wanting. Most Kenyans embrace their ethnic identities more strongly than their Kenyan identity. The Pamoja Initiative appreciates that there is a great need for intra and inter ethnic dialogue so as to build the emotional connection between Kenyans and a sense of nationhood. We therefore commend the ongoing structured dialogue forums between Kenyan communities and institutions, which culminated in The Pamoja Conference held at Nairobi earlier this month.

In this regard, we urge the political class in Kenya to desist from politicizing the dialogue processes that have been ongoing. We remind all that true dialogue happens in an environment of safe spaces where the participants are empowered to identify their interests, those of other communities, and build bridges between the two. Dialogue cannot happen in antagonistic environments which only lead to grandstanding and threats.

We therefore urge the leaders of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to call off the Saba Saba rally in recognition that true dialogue will not happen at the rallies. Further, the preparations for the rally have caused tension among the different communities in Kenya and responsible leadership requires that these tensions be diffused to forestall violence.

We especially condemn the distribution of hate leaflets in parts of the Rift Valley threatening some communities. This is irresponsible and will lead to further tensions in the country. We urge the police to investigate and prosecute those responsible. We appeal to Kenyans who were threatened by the leaflets not to leave their homes, schools and places of work. On their part, the leaders in the affected areas should ensure calm and safety of all.

 2.      Hate Speech

Over the decades, it has been clear that violence and conflicts are incited by political and other leaders. It has thus been quite unfortunate that such incitement has continued without action on the part of the responsible institutions with specific focus on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and the Office of the Public Prosecutor.

We therefore commend the political leaders who allegedly uttered hate speech for honouring summons and recording statements with the police. We urge all others who have been similarly summoned to follow the law. It is important for the future of this country that persons summoned to record statements desist from demonizing the Director of Public Prosecutions and instead argue their cases in court.

 3.      Consult with the Elders

Our country Kenya is going through a difficult period. There are many challenges that our people are going through including rising insecurity, rising cost of living, rising poverty levels, and rising political tensions. These matters need to be addressed by all Kenyans, and are not a preserve of Parliament and Senate.

We therefore recommend that a delegation of Elders and Religious leaders from different communities meets with His Excellency the President and the former Prime Minister separately and jointly to deliberate on these matters and chart a way forward. We shall gladly participate in these meetings and make our contribution to the peace of Kenya.

Let us not jeopardize the good, peace wellbeing and prosperity of our people through the grandstanding we are currently witnessing.

May God bless our nation.

Signed on this 25^th day of June 2014 at Reformed Church of East Africa Guest House, Eldoret.

 Major John Seii