Nurture True Democracy in Kenya
Press Statement
The Regional Conference of the NCCK Lower Eastern, which covers Kajiado, Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties, has met here at ACK All Soul’s Cathedral Machakos on 24th and 25th June 2021 to transact statutory business and reflect on the state of the nation and the region. The Regional Conference was guided by the theme “Wholesome Youth for a Wholesome Society (1 Timothy 4: 12)”.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.
We recognize that the youth have a key leadership role to play in the society, and it is important that they be accorded opportunities to influence their generation and the wider community. It is in this regard that we share the following message with the nation and the residents of our counties:
1. Embrace and Nurture Democracy
This Regional Conference recognizes that as a nation, we have adopted democracy as the method to use to select our leaders. Democracy has been defined as a government of the people by the people and for the people. For this reason, all the people should be accorded equal opportunities and capacities to participate in elections. This is the practice we find in the Bible, as we read in Acts 1: 21 – 26
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection”. So they proposed two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
As we learn from this passage, election of leaders in democratic processes is itself premised on following the laid down procedures and proper qualification of those to be elected. Appreciating that as a nation we are preparing for the 2022 General Elections, we recommend that the following preparations be made:
(a) Ensure Readiness by Elections Related Institutions
This Regional Conference has noted with deep concern the report presented to the Senate by the Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that the body is not ready for the 2022 General Elections. This is a gross failure on the part of the Commissioners and the Secretariat, who have had four years to prepare knowing that the General Elections are already scheduled in the Constitution of Kenya. The Commissioners should be aware that such negative sentiments could cause Kenyans to question the credibility of the coming elections, leading to conflict and violence. We remind the Chairman and CEO that we as Kenyans have tasked them to manage elections in Kenya and they need to execute that mandate or resign.
Of key essence is that the IEBC should present to the nation the findings and recommendations arising from the Post Election Evaluation (PEE) carried out after the 2017 General Elections. Kenyans should be presented with a summary indicating each shortcoming identified, and the remedial action put in place in readiness for the 2022 General Elections. Never again should election results be nullified due to shortcomings that the Commission could have mitigated in advance.
(b) Deliver Adequate Civic and Voter Education
This Regional Conference recognizes that true democracy requires every eligible person to participate in the choosing of their preferred leaders. We therefore call upon all friends of Kenya to support the delivery of adequate civic and voter education that will cover the entire nation. It is essential that this civic and voter education be delivered by religious institutions and the civil society, noting that the officials in national and county governments are interested parties and may not be trusted to be impartial if they deliver the trainings. On our part, we have committed to make our congregational worship services accessible to those who deliver the civic and voter education.
(c) Identify Those Qualified to be Leaders
This Regional Conference calls to mind that not every person who offers themselves to be elected is qualified to be a leader. The Bible does indeed present salient qualities that a leader should have, and these are outlined in Deuteronomy 17: 14 – 20. These qualities include:
- Must be chosen after a period of prayer to seek God’s guidance
- Must be a Kenyan who is interested in improving the lives of Kenyans
- Does not hire goons or create militia groups
- Does not promote a dependence syndrome in the nation
- Is not unfaithful to his or her family
- Is not greedy for money and wealth
- Is committed to the rule of law and adherence with the Constitution
- Is committed to godliness
- Respects faith leaders and institutions
- Is not arrogant
We encourage all Kenyans to use the period between now and August 2022 to evaluate those offering themselves for election and identify those who meet this criteria. Any person who does not already exhibit leadership qualities before election will not be a good leader when elected. As voters, let us prepare in advance by objectively evaluating all aspirants. We must not wait to be controlled by tribal or political emotions when making our choices.
2. Structure an Anti-Poverty Economy
This Regional Conference is deeply concerned that the national economy of Kenya seems to have been deliberately designed to perpetuate poverty. We as a nation have an economy that is characterized by:
- An un-manageable public debt that is likely to cause the economy to collapse
- A very huge public expenditure budget that is way beyond our national income
- Very high taxation of the people, which continues to raise the cost of living
- Collapse of small scale businesses due to the unfavourable conditions set by national and county governments
- Pervasive corruption that is suffocating every sector of the nation
We now appeal to all concerned authorities to remedy this situation by:
- Reducing taxes especially those levied on small scale businesses
- Reducing the government expenditure budget by cutting down on entertainment and other unnecessary items
- Prioritizing and strengthening systems that promote productivity, value addition and growth of the export market
- Punish corruption
On their part, we urge all Kenyans to take note of aspirants who promote such measures to build our economy and vote for them.
3. Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill 2020
This Regional Conference has noted that the proposed amendment of the Constitution of Kenya through the Bill fronted by the Building Bridges Initiative is now going through judicial process, awaiting hearing and determination by the Court of Appeal. We however find that the country is not in a position to hold both a referendum and general elections within one year. We therefore advise that regardless of the decision by the Court of Appeal, it is essential that the Constitution Amendment process is postponed until after the 2022 General Elections. We further point out that under no circumstances should the elections be postponed. The constitutionally set calendar should be followed.
4. Message to the Youth
This Regional Conference has noted that the youth have largely been left out of leadership and decision making in our nation. This has left them vulnerable to being used as tools for violence by politicians. Our youth are worth more than that.
We therefore advise all Kenyans to take note of any individuals or political formations that incite violence or create militia groups, and refuse to vote for them in future elections. Anyone who attacks other people will in turn attack you when their political affiliations change. Do not support them or cheer them.
On their part, we have the following message for the youth in Kenya: Our Sons and Daughters, refuse to be used to engage in violence before, during or after the elections. Refuse to do anyone’s dirty work. Always remember that you will be given a few shillings to kill others, yet the person you fight for will not even come to bail you out of the police station when the law catches up with you. They will enjoy power and wealth, while you rot in jail. Instead, we encourage you to demand and push to get decision making positions in the political parties you support. Also push for youthful candidates to be nominated to contest for positions in areas where your political parties are strong. Know that no one will give you leadership on a silver platter, you must push for it.
Conclusion
As we conclude, we wish to call to mind the message of God presented to us in Romans 13: 1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
Let us all, as Kenyans, take time to pray and seek God’s guidance even as we prepare for the 2022 General Elections. Let us put in place leaders who will be happy to submit under, knowing that they are God’s choice, and that they meet the biblical criteria.
Signed on this 25th day of June 2021 at ACK All Soul’s Cathedral, Machakos
Rt Rev Joseph Mutungi
Regional Chairman, NCCK Lower Eastern Region
