Press Statement
Preamble
The 13th Regional Conference of the NCCK Western Region has been held from 11th – 12th August 2021, in a blended format with some delegates physically present at St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Bungoma, and others joining via online platform. 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 recognise that the youth in this nation are capable, and we should therefore accord them the opportunity to make a positive impact in the society to push the country forward. The future of this country will rely heavily on those we elect in leadership positions. In this regard, we share the following message with the nation and the region:
- Prepare for Just, Credible and Peaceful Elections
This Regional Conference recognizes that the country is exactly one year to the next constitutionally guided General Elections. All necessary national focus should now be put on ensuring adequate preparation to assure Kenyans of just, peaceful, credible, free and fair General Elections.
It is in this regard that we express our utmost disappointment with the Members of Parliament for their actions that have curtailed the enactment of electoral related laws. We are particularly disappointed by the move yesterday August 11, 2021 to nullify the Elections Campaign Financing (Amendment) Bill, 2020. We remind the Members of Parliament that in the last two years we have been calling upon them to pass the five key election related laws:
- Political Party Primaries Bill
- Referendum Bill
- Campaign Finance (Amendment) Bill
- Representation of Special Interest Groups Bill
- Gender Parity Bill
It is very hypocritical to say that the laws are time barred. Kenyans are watching and will hold Parliament responsible for creating a chaotic legislative dispensation around the elections.
On its part, this Regional Conference now calls upon the National Treasury to release the required resources for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other electoral related institutions to execute their mandates.
We also call upon development partners and friends of Kenya to support non state actors to provide comprehensive Civic and Voter education in a timely manner so that Kenyans have the civic competence to effectively engage in the election.
- Prepare to Elect Good Leaders
This Regional Conference appreciates that as we approach the elections, political leaders and aspirants will engage in alignments and realignments. These are normal processes that should not threaten national peace and cohesion. We encourage security agencies to take necessary actions on any actors who incite violence or engage in hate speech.
In the meantime, we call upon Kenyans to set themselves to start identifying people who have appropriate leadership qualities that can be elected in the elections next year. We are guided by the scripture recorded in Deuteronomy 17: 14-20 on the personal traits that a good leader should possess. These are:
- Be a Good Role Model
- Be devoted to leadership and good governance
- Be diligent in upholding the rule of law and constitutional principles
- Persevere the propaganda and attacks by those who would want to push selfish interests
- Be qualified for the positions in line with the qualifications set by the Constitution and relevant laws
Our country cannot be led by those who do not respect the true calling of a leader.
- Empower the Youth
We in this Regional Conference have noted with compunction that the youth, despite constituting more than 70 per cent of our population, have greatly been left out of leadership in church and the nation as well. We have committed ourselves to rectify this by integrating the youth in our national and regional structures, and supporting and mentoring those who seek political and social leadership.
We also take this time to advice our youth to strongly resist those who may want to hire them to engage in violence before, during and after the elections. Remember that in the past, those who gave you some few coins are enjoying power and wealth, while you remain in the same state. We encourage you to use your numbers to demand for and take up decision making positions in the political parties you support. In addition, push to have youthful candidates nominated to contest in areas where your parties are strong. Do not sit back asking for leadership, step out and take it.
- Conclusion
As we conclude, we wish to remind Kenyans, and especially Members of Parliament of the warning in Isaiah 10: 1 – 2
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar?
Let us watch out for and vote for leaders who promote the aspirations we pray for in our National Anthem: Godliness, Justice, peace, unity, liberty, selfless service, and mutual prosperity.
May God bless this nation and our region.
Signed on this 12th day of August, 2021 here at St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Bungoma.
Rev George Magomere
Regional Chair, NCCK Western Region
