Peaceful Elections for a Better Tomorrow
July 21, 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, to transact statutory business and reflect on matters of national concern.
The meeting took note that one of the final gifts the Lord Jesus Christ gave to humanity before He ascended was peace. It is our prayer and aspiration that the upcoming General Elections will be characterized by peace and national cohesion.
1. Message to All Kenyans
Recognizably, Kenya is a constitutional democracy in which every eligible citizen has a duty and opportunity to participate in the formation of government. Indeed participation in elections is a civic duty, a social responsibility, and a sacred mandate. We therefore call upon all registered voters to prepare to participate in the upcoming General Elections in an informed and responsible manner. Towards this, we encourage you to use the channels provided by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to verify your registration details and confirm your polling station before August 9.
Dear Kenyans, do remember that it is God’s desire that we all live at peace with each other. Therefore, we plead with you to have a mindset and commitment to remain peaceful during this period.
Do not allow the desires of the candidates to ascend to positions of power destroy your life or the lives of your family and neighbours. Your life is very important to God, and should not be destroyed on account of elections that come and go. Remember that you will continue to live in your neighbourhood after the elections, so do not destroy your home ground. Remain peaceful regardless of the incitement or excitement that comes with elections, and on August 9, cast your vote and then go home unless you are a registered observer.
2. Message to the IEBC
Dear Commissioners and staff of IEBC, we assure you of our prayers and support as you carry out your duty during the elections that are only 18 days away. You have been preparing for this for the last five years, and we are sure you have put everything in place. We only urge you to upgrade the level of public communication so as to regularly update Kenyans on the preparations and assure them of readiness for the elections. As the constitutional Elections Management Body, you must be and be seen to be impartial and transparent. Remember that your duty is sacred, and must be carried out with reverence, just as we read in Colossians 3: 23 – 24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
3. Message to the Judiciary
Dear members of the Judiciary, we implore you to prepare your hearts and minds to defend justice and rule of law through expeditious management of all elections related cases. We especially urge you to speedily process cases that touch on human rights violations, Gender Based Violence, and other injustices that may emerge during the period. Be assured that we are praying for you.
4. Message to Security Agencies
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the security agencies, we are praying for you as you carry out your mandate of enforcing the law and order. We urge you to remain impartial, standing only for justice and rule of law. Exercise a humane approach when dealing with tense situations or even riots, endeavouring to maintain peace while preserving lives. Remember that actions you take shall be subjected to the rule of law.
5. Message to All Candidates in the General Elections
Dear Candidates vying for all positions, you are our brothers and sisters, and Kenyans appreciate your desire to serve them as leaders. Do not let your ambitions destroy this country. We urge you to speak and keep peace at all times.
We especially appreciate the public commitment made by the Presidential Candidates that they will accept the results announced by the IEBC, and if dissatisfied will seek redress in court. They have also committed to not incite their followers to violence before, during or after the elections. We encourage all other candidates to make similar commitments. As an honorable person aspiring for leadership, prepare to honorably accept defeat should you not win, or go to court if you do not agree with the results. Do not incite people to violence.
6. Message to Religious Leaders
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we once again implore you to be impartial and to provide spiritual care and nurture to all political formations. Let us keep in mind that there are 16,108 candidates in these elections, yet only 1,882 will win the positions. We as the clergy must be ready to minister to those who will be mourning their loss and those who will be celebrating their victory. Taking sides at this time will compromise our ability to minister in the coming days. So let us not support or oppose any candidate for the sake of the ministry.
In the meantime, we recommend that we use the pulpits and other forums to:
- Pass messages of peace and national cohesion
- Educate our people on how and why to participate in the elections
- Encourage all people to adhere to the law before, during and after the elections
- Schedule Sunday August 7, 2022 as a day of Prayer for Peaceful Elections
Conclusion
Kenyans are expecting there to be peace before, during and after the elections. Let us keep this in mind and hope, and prepare to maintain peace regardless of the results that are announced. May we always be inspired by the word of God written in Romans 12: 18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
May God enable us all to play our part in ensuring peace for a better tomorrow.
Signed on this 21st day of July 2022 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru
Archbishop Dr Timothy Ndambuki
Chairman
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
