Let us Redefine Our Nation
Press Statement
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.
The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has held its statutory meeting here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, over the last two days.
During the meeting, the Executive Committee recognized that the nation of Kenya is at a critical moment of redefining and reshaping her identity, ethos and future. The Kenya of the next fifty years is being shaped now, and it is of cardinal importance that all Kenyans play their part.
The NCCK affirms that we requested for an appointment and met with His Excellency President William Ruto yesterday. The agenda of the meeting was to present our concerns over the failure by government to listen to Kenyans with regard to the Finance Bill 2024 and police brutality in the ongoing demonstrations. The President committed that the Bill would be withdrawn, that the police would cease brutality on the demonstrators, and the military would not be deployed. We have shared with the people of Kenya the memorandum that we presented to the President.
Recognizing that these will contribute to the shaping of the future of our nation, we share the following message.
- Understand Kenya’s Demographics
Kenya is a very youthful country, with those aged below 35 years constituting 79% of the population. This is the population that has the biggest stake in the nation today and in future. It is therefore a major concern that the youth are highly deprived with regard to education, life skills and employment. If this status is not remedied, the risk of sinking into social chaos is very high.
We therefore call upon all institutions and leaders to focus more than 80 percent of their efforts and resources on empowering the youth to have dignified livelihoods and to be equipped for leadership. The first step in this process is listening to the youth and creating platforms for them to shape the nation they desire to live in.
On our part as the NCCK, we have committed to:
One, we will establish centers of excellence for the youth to acquire skills and opportunities for creating pathways for dignified livelihoods and creation of resilient communities.
Two, each of our member churches will develop youth led, youth owned and youth focused programs of action premised on the basis of the principle of “nothing for the youth without the youth”.
Three, organize people-driven multisectoral economic forums at the local levels, culminating in a national economic conference in which Kenyans will analyze the current economic state of the nation, identify what is ailing us, and find solutions for a better future.
Four, review and enhance budgets and programs to increase resources for youth work and youth programs in our churches
Five, continue spearheading capacity building of the youth and other members of the church for enhanced citizen participation for strengthened public accountability
2. Listen to the People of Kenya
In shaping the future of the nation, it is of absolute importance that the political leadership listens to the people so as to honor their will. In this regard, we in the National Council of Churches of Kenya are mourning with deep sadness the deaths of dozens of Kenyans who have been killed by police during demonstrations. We pass our condolences to the families that have been bereaved by these unnecessary deaths, and are praying for quick recovery for all those injured.
The killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police is totally unacceptable. It must never be repeated.
Further, we find it heartless, insensitive and disdainful for the Members of Parliament to have ignored the will of the people by passing the Finance Bill 2024. By this action, Parliament erased its legitimacy in the eyes of the voters.
We call upon the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special seating for the members can respond to the Memorandum by the President so that the Finance Bill 2024 is repealed.
3. No Further Bloodshed
The youth of Kenya have come out to exercise their right to peaceful picketing as they enhance their participation in national life. We demand that the state stops curtailing this right by use of police and the military. In addition, the abduction and clandestine arrest of youthful actors must be stopped. All the youths who have been arrested during the demonstrations must be unconditionally released immediately.
It is especially of concern to us that despite a Court Order, the military has been deployed in different parts of Nairobi today. We demand that the government commits to obey the law and allow the Kenyans to peacefully express their aspirations.
On our part, we are organizing with our member churches to mark 7 days of mourning to remember and honor the young heroes who have died as they exercised their right to participate in governance of the nation. The days of mourning will commence tomorrow Friday June 28 and culminate in memorial services in the churches on Sunday July 7, 2024.
4. Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
To secure the electoral future of our nation, we urge His Excellency President William Ruto and concerned stakeholders to hear the cry of the people of Kenya and facilitate completion of the process to appoint of the IEBC commissioners.
Kenyans in constituencies and wards that have been unable to hold by-elections are suffering injustice, and the boundaries review process is yet to be done. This process must be completed without further delay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we thank all Kenyans, and especially the youth, for the commitment to engage in electoral and governance matters. This is essential in shaping the future of our nation.
Let us all play our part in building the nation we aspire for in our National Anthem.
Oh 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
Signed on this 27th day of June 2024 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru
Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki
Chairman
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
