Securing Elections 2022: Rooting for Peace
May 11, 2022
Pastoral Letter
John 14: 27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Preamble
This Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has held a meeting here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, that included the representatives of our governance organs at regional and county levels. The meeting reflected on the possible scenarios before, during and after the 2022 General Elections and what is required to safeguard the peace, cohesion and integrity of the nation, and now shares the following inspiration with all Kenyans:
1. Centrality of Elections in our Nation
Recognizing that Kenya is a constitutional democracy, elections are the only channel for formation of government. It is therefore the right and responsibility of every Kenyan to participate in peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. We encourage you to visit the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or use the electronic channels they have provided to verify your registration details and prepare to vote in the elections that are only 90 days away. Participation in elections is a civic right, a religious duty and a social responsibility.
2. Secure Elections 2022
Dear Kenyans, your second cardinal duty regarding the elections, is doing all you can to ensure that the 2022 General Elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible, keeping in mind the inspiration of Romans 12: 18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
Towards this, we urge you to pursue peace and prosperity of our beloved country through word and deed, and especially recommend that you:
a) Respect the freedom of all other Kenyans to participate in the elections freely, safely and independently. Do not interfere with anyone as they campaign or support their preferred candidates. Let them enjoy their constitutional right.
b) Accept the election results that are announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, appreciating that only the IEBC has the authority to announce election results.
c) Encourage anyone who is dissatisfied with the election results to seek redress in Courts of Law as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya.
d) Refuse to participate in mass action or demonstrations regardless of provocation or incitement before, during or after the elections.
3. Prayers for Peaceful Elections
Dear Kenyans, as we exercise our civic duty to elect leaders, let us not lean on our own understanding, as the Bible advices us in Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
We therefore encourage you to take time every day to pray for the nation and for peaceful elections.
In addition, we encourage you to support your clergy to organize ecumenical prayers for candidates of all political opinions without discrimination. However, do not use those sessions to anoint or declare anyone divinely ordained for any position. Just pray for them.
Conclusion
We conclude by recalling the mandate God has laid upon each of us, as is recorded in Micah 6: 8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
May God enable us all to play our part in Securing Elections 2022.
Signed on this 11th day of May 2022 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru
Bishop Dr John Okinda
Vice Chairman
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
