Press Statement – Observe the Rule of Law

Preamble

The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya has met here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, over the last two days. During the meeting, we reflected on the scripture recorded in Matthew 5: 14 – 16, and especially took note of verse 16 which reads:

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”.

We were challenged by this scripture to continue shedding light of Christ on the matters that face the people so as to ensure they have hope and a future. Having reflected on this and other matters of national concern, we wish to share the following message as we come to the end of the year.

1.      Insecurity

It is not lost on us that insecurity was one area of concern that the Jubilee administration promised to tackle soon after taking office following the 4^th March 2013 General Elections. However millions of Kenyans continue living in fear of attack by terrorists or other criminals, some of whom are former law enforcers. The   recent incident where approximately 900 Kenyans at Lorogon were held hostage by a gang for four days before the government intervened is puzzling, deplorable and only confirms the government’s lethargy in tackling insecurity. We demand that the government puts in place measures to conclusively deal with crime, which should include educating Kenyans on the role they can play in ensuring security. The root causes of the rising insecurity should also be resolved.

 2.      The International Criminal Court

We appreciate the manner in which the President and Deputy President have cooperated with the International Criminal Court, and encourage them to continue doing so. In view of the impact of the trials facing the two on the social, economic and political welfare of Kenya, we urge the ICC to expedite the process and conclude the cases as soon as possible. The ICC must ensure that justice is done for the victims, the witnesses and the suspects. We advice the President to attend the trial.

3.      Amendments to the Constitution

In the recent past, there have been calls from Members of Parliament for amendments to the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Whereas we recognize that some amendments are required, these are not urgent. We instead hold that properly thought-through legislative and administrative measures can be adequate to address the current challenges facing the implementation of the constitution. We call upon Kenyans to delay amendment of the constitution as much as possible to give room for its implementation so that its full benefits are realized. Members of Parliament should stop these discussions and instead focus on undertaking their duties.

4.      Poverty

Recognizably, one of the most vicious forms of torture that a government can inflict on its own people is by forcing them to remain in abject poverty. History and analysis of the economies of other countries shows that the macro indicators of economic development do not necessarily trickle down to individuals and families. It is absolutely important that the government develops programmes and initiatives that will result in economic empowerment of individuals and communities. We especially challenge the governors and Members of County Assemblies to face the reality that economic empowerment of the people in their counties is not dependent on the money they can get from the national government but rather from the empowerment they give to the people to develop their own lives. It is our hope that as next year begins, the county governments will focus on providing education and opportunities to the people to engage in production and value addition and not just politics and rhetoric. On its part, the national government must ensure that the necessary resources and infrastructure are put in place to facilitate the micro-level economic development necessary to propel Kenya to a medium income nation by 2030.

5.      PBO and Media Bills

Having keenly analyzed the recent bills discussed in Parliament, we are deeply concerned that the government seems keen to claw back on the freedoms and benefits Kenyans have painfully gained over the years. Of particular concern to us are the Public Benefit Organizations Bill and the Kenya Communications and Information (Amendment) Bill. In both cases, the government is seeking to gain direct control of the Non Government Organisations sector and the Media sector. This is a very dangerous path that the government is taking in recognition of the fact that these two sectors have played a very important role in democratization of Kenya. By seeking to control the NGOs and the media, the government is essentially seeking to muzzle the institutions that hold it to account. Further, the law will result in the country losing an income of more than KShs 152 billion that flows through the NGOs, in addition to rendering more than 250,000 Kenyans jobless. It is virtually the country imposing sanctions on itself! We therefore demand that these bills are withdrawn from the floor of Parliament and consultations with the concerned institutions held so as to ensure the laws passed are those that are best for this country.

6.      Diplomacy

We wish to express our disgust with the incident at Eldoret last week where the Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County mishandled British diplomats. That was unfortunate in view of the fact that according to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, foreign affairs is a function of the National Government, and not the County Government. We therefore propose that the Kenya government reviews its diplomatic engagements particularly with Britain and the United States of America to maintain our long, historical, economic and political ties. The government must work to ensure that all diplomats are treated with respect and decorum wherever they visit.

7.      Kenya 50^th Anniversary Celebrations

We take this opportunity to congratulate all Kenyans as we mark 50 years since we attained independence. This is a great opportunity to thank God for the blessings He has poured on our country, and to pray that He will be with us all through the future. Let us re-dedicate our nation to God during this opportune moment.

 8.      Conclusion

As we thank God for taking the country through this year, we encourage the church leaders at national and county levels to continue speaking out for the welfare of the people. In this way, we will truly be light of Christ shining in the world.

We also call upon all Kenyans to drive carefully. Let us all work to curb the rising cases of fatal accidents.

Finally, we take this moment to pray that all Kenyans will have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year 2014.

May God bless Kenya now and always.

Signed on this 27^th day of November 2013 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.