BUILD THIS OUR NATION TOGETHER
September 6, 2022
BUILD THIS OUR NATION TOGETHER
PRESS STATEMENT BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS
We, the Religious Leaders from the different faiths have met here at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, to reflect on the State of the Nation following the ruling on the Presidential Poll petitions by the Supreme Court yesterday. Recognizing that the ruling highlighted the conclusion of the 2022 Presidential Election, we have prayed and reflected on the prayer we make in our National Anthem:
Let all with one accord, in common bond united
Build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour
Fill every heart with thanksgiving
We now share the following message with fellow Kenyans.
1. Message to All Kenyans
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we heartily thank you for the democratic maturity we have manifested this year by actively and peacefully participating in the 2022 General Elections. Your commitment to peace and national cohesion is commendable.
Having elected those who will be our leaders for the next five years, let us now focus our energies on holding them to account so that they deliver justice and faithful implementation of the Constitution and Laws of Kenya as well as policies and strategic plans. Let us join hands to continually pray for our nation and for the leaders at all levels, just as we are called upon in the holy scriptures:
I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2: 1 – 2)
Say Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; he is our protector and upon Allah let the believers rely (Quran 9: 51)
2. Message to All Elected Leaders
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we congratulate you on your election to the position you now hold, whether as Member of County Assembly, Member of National Assembly, Woman Member of National Assembly, Senator, or Governor. You have desired a noble thing by seeking to be a leader in our nation. We now urge you to take seriously the responsibility Kenyans have bestowed on you. Do not destroy our nation through corruption and selfish gain. Rather, in humility and sense of service, focus on wholesome development of the nation. In the meantime, we urge you to avoid abrasive or excessive celebrations, keeping in mind that there are many Kenyans who are wounded and aggrieved. Show them love by not provoking or deliberately hurting them.
3. Message to Candidates Who did not Win
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we commend you for the desire and determination to be leaders in our nation. However, the nature of democracy is that not all who aspire can ascend to the desired positions. Nonetheless, do know that you are important to our nation, and your continued contribution to development and democracy is essential. Do not lose hope, but rise up and identify other ways you will contribute to the welfare of Kenya. We are praying for you during this particular moment.
4. Message to the Judiciary
We commend the Supreme Court for concluding the hearing and determination of the Presidential Poll petition, while being cognizant that there are many Kenyans who were not satisfied with the decision. We now call upon the rest of the Judiciary to prepare for and ensure justice is done and is seen to be done in the petitions that may be filed touching on the other electoral positions.
5. Message to the Rt Hon Raila Odinga
Your Excellency, we commend you for the great contribution you continue to make as a leader in Kenya. You have demonstrated strong statesmanship in your calls for the rule of law to be respected and upheld. We are praying for you.
6. Message to the President Elect
Your Excellency Dr William Ruto, we congratulate you on your confirmation as the President Elect. As the President, you will be the symbol of National Unity. We urge you to be a leader of all Kenyans regardless of their political, ethnic or religious leanings by demonstrating, in word and deed, justice and equality. We are praying for you that God will enable you to inspire confidence, dignity and grace for all Kenyans.
7. Message to President Uhuru Kenyatta
Your Excellency, we congratulate and appreciate you as you conclude your term as President. You have led the nation over the last 10 years during which Kenyans experienced peace and great leaps in development. We further appreciate your expressed commitment to a peaceful transition, which greatly progresses our democracy. You remain in our prayers that God will bless you and guide you so that you continue to play a role in our nation.
Conclusion
We conclude by recalling the word of God recorded in Ecclesiastes 3: 1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens
And also in Quran 94: 5 – 8
For indeed with hardship (will be) ease – – indeed with hardship (will be) ease. So when you have finished (your duties) then stand up (for worship) and to your lord direct (your) longing.
As Kenyans, let us recognize that the season of the 2022 elections is ending. Let us now embrace a season of holistic, just and equitable development of our nation. And above all, let us continue praying for ourselves, our leaders, and our nation.
May God bless Kenya now and at all times.
Signed on this 6th day of September 2022 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi.
Faith Communities:
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya
Evangelical Alliance of Kenya
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
National Council of Churches of Kenya
Organisation of African Instituted Churches
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims
