Uphold Justice for a Stable Nation: Press Release
July 11, 2023
UPHOLD JUSTICE FOR A STABLE NATION
PRESS RELEASE
PREAMBLE
Religious leaders drawn from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Churches of Kenya have met here at Ufungamano House to review the socio-political state of the nation. We reflected on the scripture recorded in Proverbs 29: 4
By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
This echoes the preambular statement of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which states that we honour “those who heroically struggled to bring freedom and justice to our land”.
We now share the following message with the nation.
1. EXPOSE AND PROSECUTE FACILITATORS OF SHAKAHOLA HOLOCAUST
Like all Kenyans and indeed all the world, we continue to follow with horror the exhumation of bodies in Shakahola forest. We share our heartfelt condolences with all the families who have been bereaved, and are constantly praying for those who have reported missing relatives.
We are nonetheless deeply concerned that the persons responsible for facilitating this holocaust are yet to be prosecuted for their crimes against the people of Kenya. We especially observe that there are government officials who over the years failed to take action when reports of deaths and murders in the Shakahola forest were made. When will they be prosecuted for abdication of duty?
It is therefore saddening that the government is instead focusing on blaming the church and religious institutions for the massacre, yet it is a clearly the result of failure by the criminal justice system.
We call upon the government to accord justice to the people of Kenya by ensuring all who facilitated this crime are prosecuted. On our part, we are putting in place a process to document the processes that led to this dark blot in our national history, and will especially highlight all who are responsible on account of their actions, misactions or non-action.
2. MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO
Your Excellency, we urge you to take to heart and learn from the word of God recorded in 2 Chronicles 9: 8
Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.
We appeal to you to hear the cry of the people of Kenya who are heavily burdened by the prevailing global economic crisis and the drought that is yet to end despite the onset of rains. There are many families that are sleeping hungry, businesses have collapsed, jobs have been lost, and the cost of living is continuing to rise. We strongly recommend that your administration considers adopting policies and strategies that give Kenyans hope while addressing the economic challenge in the short and long terms. Without this approach, Your Excellency, we fear that the growing sense of hopelessness will push the country into instability and possibly violence.
As an immediate mitigation measure, Your Excellency, we recommend that the Finance Act 2023 is repealed so as to review the heavy taxation burden imposed on Kenyans. In addition, we urge a cessation of domestic borrowing by government so as to enable banks loan private businesses that drive the local economy.
3. MESSAGE TO RT HON RAILA ODINGA
We recognize the critical constitutional role that the opposition plays in safeguarding democracy and justice in our nation. We therefore appeal to you, Rt Honorable Raila, to recognize the key position you hold and the contribution you make in shaping the current and future of our nation.
Appreciating that justice is the foundation of stability and peace, we urge you to spearhead an issue-based and solution-oriented approach to secure the nation from sliding into chaos and violence.
We appeal to you to reconsider the proposed mass action programme which is likely to make the situation worse for Kenyans. We also urge that you do not give the people false hope that the government can be removed from office through collection of signatures.
4. MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF KENYA
Dear Brothers and Sisters, our nation is going through a very difficult moment. We are all hurting, and there are many pressures that can push us into despair. We however must not go down this path as it is the way of destruction. Instead, let us push for and demand for justice, rule of law and people-focused governance from all the elected and appointed leaders.
We must firmly resist incitement by political and social leaders who are focussed on selfish ambitions. Instead, let each of us deliberately engage all public participation forums and opportunities, taking every chance to influence policy and decision making processes. We should not leave the destiny of our families in the hands of politicians alone, and should instead adopt the mantra of “Nothing for us without us”.
Let us remain peaceful and calm despite the challenges and provocations, so that we can live out the prayer we make through our National Anthem:
O God of all creation, bless this our land and nation, justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity, Peace and Liberty, Plenty be found within our borders
CONCLUSION
We conclude by urging all of us to uphold justice so that Kenya can be like nation the Bible describes in 1 Kings 4: 25
During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree.
May God bless Kenya now and always.
Signed on this 11th day of July 2023 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi:
Most Rev Martin Kivuva Musonde
Chairman, KCCB
Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki
Chairman, NCCK
