PRESS STATEMENT
We the religious leaders under the umbrella body of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have met on this 27th day of February 2024 at ACK Saint Crispin’s Cathedral Bungoma to deliberate and review the prevailing socio-economic and political state of the Nation and County and reflect on the ongoing constitutional and democratic governance processes with a view of providing pastoral guidance to the duty bearers and right holders for a successful and prosperous nation and county.
Our broad discussions are geared towards improving accountability and transparency in service delivery; highlighting the challenges affecting our people; strengthening the rule of law and promoting peaceful co-existence and cohesion among all county residents.
Our discussions have been guided by the words of the Holy Scripture in Mathew 16:13-17.
In respect of the above we humbly wish to share the following message:
1. We take note of the report from the Controller of Budget stating that Bungoma is one of the Counties that have spent less than 1% of its revenue on development with the balance going to recurrent expenditure. This has adversely affected local businesses as well as watering down the development aspirations of Bungoma. We urge H.E. the Governor to address this mismatch in the use of public funds. On the same note, the County Executive should clear the huge amount of pending Bills as they affect the local business community.
2. The County Government of Bungoma has also not prioritized the completion of stalled projects in the County including those initiated by the last regime. These stalled projects including the dual carriageway and Chebukube represent an investment of public funds that should be speedily completed for the public to enjoy the benefits. Initiating new projects while these are pending is a waste of public resources
3. Whereas we are aware that Scholarship remains the National Government function, we appreciate the County Government’s investment in the Scholarship programme. However, the scholarship programme should target and benefit the most vulnerable and needy children in the community.
4. With the ongoing development of Masinde Muliro Stadium, we feel that the dual carriageway should be completed in readiness for the Madaraka Day that will be hosted by Bungoma County on 1st June 2024.
5. We observe that the Constitution guarantees public participation in democratic and constitutional governance processes at all levels of devolution. This public participation framework is broken, as evidenced by the recent demolition of roadside businesses and kiosks in Kanduyi, Chebukube, Town Center, and Soko Kubwa, as well as the ensuing public demonstrations that called for armed police intervention. We implore H.E. the Governor to guarantee thorough consultations with the populace before implementing such drastic measures that impact the people’s means of subsistence. A human rights perspective should be used in such interventions. The county ought to think about offering assistance to the impacted companies to lessen the losses they sustain. The church solely backs the eviction and demolition of people who have trespassed on public property and road reserves. However, for us to prevent massive losses of property and lives in the future, that needs to be structured per the law and due process.
Gender-based violence cases, which are marked by high rates of teenage pregnancies, defilement, rape, and incest, have increased significantly. The negative attention that Bungoma County has received has impacted the county’s and its residents’ perceptions. We demand that the national and local governments, the parent and teacher associations, and the civil society work together to combat this pandemic endangering the next generation. Similarly, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse abuse are on the rise. To eradicate these social vices, cooperation and teamwork are required. We ought to give up placing blame and pointing fingers.
On the same note, we urge the County Government through the Gender department to operationalize the rescue Centre at Ndengelwa in Kanduyi to shelter the many affected girls and women.
6. In the run-up to the 2027 elections, we have observed a rise in the political activity and campaigns of politicians affiliated with both sides of the government. Political campaigns should wait until later, and this is the height of the political class’s self-interest. Politicians ought to concentrate on providing services and carrying out their agendas and manifestos before elections. We strongly advise politicians who are discussing running for specific seats in 2027 not to do so.
7. that the oversight role of our elected leaders is wanting. this is likely to compromise service delivery
Conclusion
We the religious leaders are the voice of reason in the county and we advocate for meaningful change in our society. We call upon all religious leaders to unite and speak with courage on the social issues affecting our communities without fear or favour. We remain open to a facilitative dialogue with our county and national leaders to find a solution to the various issues that are of concern to Bungoma County and Kenya.
God Bless Bungoma County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 27th Day of February 2024 at ACK Saint Chrispin’s cathedral Bungoma., Bungoma County by
Bishop George Mechumo – ACK Bungoma
Moderator Joseph Wanyonyi – Reformed C.E.A
Bishop Zedekiah Chunge – ECA
