Press Statement by the Multi Sectoral Forum Held on 12th August 2017

PROTECT LIFE IN CELEBRATIONS AND PROTESTS

PRESS STATEMENT

PREAMBLE
We, the religious leaders of Kenya, have met here at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, considered the status of the nation, and have reflected on the scriptures: and
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4: 3)
And
Humanity is but a brotherhood so make peace with your brother (Quran 49: 10)
We now wish to share the following message.

1. THANKING KENYANS
Once again, we commend all Kenyans for the peaceful manner in which you voted and waited for the announcement of the results for the various positions. Your political maturity is exemplary, and we encourage you to continue. We now urge you to resume your day to day engagements that will include making your livelihoods, leaving the courts to handle any emerging disputes, and continue holding the county and national governments to account.

2. STOP THE VIOLENCE
We the religious leaders are greatly appalled by the violence that has been witnessed in some parts of the country in the last two days. We are very saddened by the report that up to 18 Kenyans are confirmed to have died during the protests. Further, tens have been injured and property of unknown value destroyed. We share our heartfelt condolences with the families of our brothers and sisters who have died, and pray for God to grant them peace. We also have prayed that God will bring speedy healing to those who were injured.
We as religious leaders assert that this must be brought to a swift end!
a) We call upon our brothers and sisters who so wish to only engage in peaceful protests and demonstrations, after having informed the police as is required by law. Do not attack other people or destroy properties. Do not provoke the police. You are within your constitutional rights when you demonstrate peacefully. Further, we urge you to use social media responsibly.
b) We call upon the police and other security agencies to stop using excessive force when suppressing protests.
c) We call upon all political leaders to speak to their supporters and direct them to exercise peace and sensitivity whether they are celebrating a win or grieving a loss in the elections. Do not provoke your supporters or those of your opponents with the words you use. Instead, speak to build bridges and promote the brotherhood of all Kenyans.
d) We thank His Excellency the President elect for the gracious words he used in the acceptance speech and the olive branch he extended to the opposition. We urge that this very warm outlook be nurtured and given consultative practical application. We encourage all other political actors to consider the gesture and contribute to concrete possibilities that will advance nationally redemptive reforms.

3. MOVING FORWARD
We the religious leaders take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, the President Elect, on receiving the elective mandate to lead the country for a further five years. We also congratulate and commend all other Presidential Candidates for participating in the elections and promoting the democratic development of our nation. Thank you for conducting yourselves with sobriety during the electoral process, and we pray that you will continue to contribute to the growth of the welfare of all Kenyans.
We also congratulate the candidates who received electoral mandates by garnering the highest number of votes for the different positions, and urge you to be gracious and people-centered as you implement the pledges you made to the voters.
Moving forward, we urge our fellow religious leaders to reach out to all the other candidates to provide them with support and space for debrief. We must recognize that the candidates invested a lot in the campaigns, and not winning the positions is a devastating reality they need to deal with. It is important that the counselling be extended to their key supporters and campaign teams, as they too are emotionally hurt at this time.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we appreciate that the elections are now over. The results have been declared for the various positions. We encourage that persons who wish to object to the results do so in the laid down manner so as to promote peace and security of all Kenyans. It is appreciable that the Courts provide opportunity for aggrieved parties to demonstrate the veracity of their evidence to support their grievances.
May God bless Kenya now and always.