Kaparo, Canon Karanja Discuss Cohesion Ahead of Stakeholders’ Forum

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja today held discussions with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Hon. Francis ole Kaparo. During the breakfast meeting, the two leaders discussed issues of national cohesion,  achievements  made and potential threats in light of the fluid political landscape in the country.

The meeting also reviewed suggested strategies  on how to scale up phase II  of the Pamoja Initiative ahead of a planned stakeholders’ consultative forum  early next month, that will kick-start this year’s planned County peace activities.

Speaking during the meeting Hon. Kaparo who also chairs the Pamoja Initiative, underscored the importance of  strengthening our institutions and building bridges among communities  aimed at achieving national cohesion.

The former speaker of the National Assembly called for a common approach to cohesion issues in view of emerging challenges. “Kenya is facing problems because of weakening of our traditional institutions. We need to meet and agree that nobody owns Kenya. It’s for everyone. We need the conference soonest, a meeting of minds between the church, politicians and government,” he said.

Making his remarks, Canon Karanja appreciated Hon. Kaparo’s courtesy call to the Council saying there was a lot to be done to change the paradigm. The NCCK boss pointed out that the Council desired to see cohesion work in the country scaled up and strengthened to which it remained committed to.”The prospects of a peaceful election depend on rigorous work by the state and non-state actors. 2015 is no doubt a critical year for peace work in the country,” said  Canon Karanja.  

Those who attended the meeting included NCIC’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hassan Mohammed, Commissioner Dr. Joseph Nasongo, outgoing NCCK deputy General Secretary Mr. Oliver Kisaka, Dickson Magosti of the National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management, NCCK’s Senior Programmes Officer for Governance and Social Services Mr. Joseph Ngetich and Programmes Officer Sam Kingi.

The second phase of the Pamoja Initiative was launched late last year, and is aimed at facilitating intra and inter ethnic dialogue through county forums.