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| Allall Catholic Bishops of Kenya |
A Press Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Kenya
That they May be One (Jn 17:21) |
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Foreword
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). We, the Catholic Bishops of Kenya greet you in the name of the risen Lord. Just as Christ died that we may get life in abundance, so too must we die and rise. We are called to rise to new realties of our beloved country Kenya. We thank God that we have a democratically elected government in Kenya.
Gains: Where we are
Together with others, we have journeyed with Kenyans to bring about the many positive changes that we see today. We in the Catholic Church strongly feel that to sustain gains made in democracy and democratic values, it is imperative that Kenyans are constantly vigilant. Towards these efforts, we believe that civic education must continue so as to nurture these gains and move forward.
Transport Industry: The recent efforts to streamline the transport industry are commendable. However, the government must ensure that these measures are implemented at all times. More still needs to be done to improve the transport sector.
Repossessing of Public Land: We have said before that all public land that is under private hands be repossessed. While the principle of demolishing private structures on public land is commendable, the government needs to ensure that the demolitions are done impartially and in a humane way.
Donor Relations: We appreciate the move by our development partners and international financial institutions to resume lending to Kenya. It is a positive move that instills confidence in the country for would-be investors, be they local or foreign. However, we have noted in the past that the government needs to trim its official spending to reduce the huge budget deficit. Efforts must be made to reduce the large poverty levels.
Corruption: The government’s ongoing efforts to cleanup the judiciary is commendable. We recognize numerous legislative measures, such as the Economic Crimes Bill, that have been passed to help fight graft in the public service. However, recent reports on corruption still indicate that bribery is still alive in public institutions, which ‘sell’ what is supposed to be free services to Kenyans. We urge the government to act on such reports in its fight to rid of corruption all public institutions.
Further , to prevent corruption in future, the government must prosecute those who have misappropriated public funds and grabbed public land. The anticorruption campaign now needs to proceed to a level where illegally acquired wealth is returned to the public interest. Kenyans are also looking forward to the expeditious conclusion of the Goldenberg inquiry: it is taking too long.
Provision of Free Primary Education: The history of the Church’s involvement in education dates back to 1900s. The best-performing schools in National Examinations and in producing leading professionals are church-owned or church-sponsored schools; this must be appreciated.
We note that free education has brought to school 1.5 million more children, raising the primary school population to 7.2 million. Despite suffering logistical problems at initial stages, free primary education is set to become a lasting legacy, given that an estimated 3 million school age children were out of school, due to lack of fees. The initiative has received overwhelming support from all development partners.
However the government must issue guidelines to regulate the mushrooming pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions of learning. In this regard the quality of education would be safeguarded and parents protected from exploitation.
Salaries: While we do not support the hefty increment of MPs salaries and allowances, recent efforts to increase salaries of teachers, and lowly paid civil servants such as the regular police should be commended. More needs to be done, but this is a step in the right direction.
Challenges: The path ahead
These gains have not been without some flaws and shortcomings, whose effects have had serious consequences for Kenyans and the international community. The results of a recent survey on the people’s perception of government indicate less optimism among Kenyans as contrasted to an earlier survey, whose results ranked Kenyans as the most optimistic people in the world. These results are worrying.
Nation Building: The journey from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land took over 40 years. The long journey was difficult and the Israelites constantly grumbled and complained even at times wishing that they were back in slavery, but in the end, they were able to reach their destination. It is now over 40 years since we gained independence, and we are still marching to the promised land; a land where tolerance, harmony, dialogue, mutual respect and economic prosperity thrive under God’s blessings.
Nation building requires that elected representatives represent the needs of the people and country but not their selfish needs. This task requires a shared vision and the contribution of all Kenyans, with a heavier responsibility on those in government.
Unfortunately, our leaders are gradually losing touch with those they are supposed to serve, and the gap between them and the public is growing daily. While Kenyans are yearning to realize development, the political leadership is still in the election mood. Politicians should concentrate their energies on development matters and wait to cross the 2007 election bridge when we get to 2007.
Coalition Disharmony: We have said it in the past that the unending wrangling within the ruling Coalition continues to create discord in our society today. We appeal, once more that these wrangles that are based on power struggles must come to an end for the sake of national unity. We appreciate and commend the recent efforts towards harmonizing the warring factions. We must all focus energies on rebuilding this nation.
We are aware that building a coalition is easier than maintaining one. However, political parties should seek dialogue, mutual respect and co-existence. We remind these parties, and Kenyans in general, what our Honorable President said on the day he was sworn in: “When a group of people comes together over an idea or because of a shared vision, such a group can never fail or disintegrate. Narc will never die as long as the original vision endures” . Our question is, have some of the affiliate parties lost that Original Vision? While wrangles are part and parcel of coalition governments anywhere in the world, it is our plea that the Coalition should realize that In Numbers Lie Strength!
The Constitutional Review Process: We have said many times in the past that the review process should be inclusive; involving as many Kenyans as possible. We need to repeat here that Kenyans said that they do not want a powerful presidency: this does not mean replacing a powerful presidency with a powerful prime minister. Kenyans have also said that there is need for a final approval through a referendum on the contentious issues. Such issues include, but are not limited to: Kadhis Courts; Executive Powers whether vested in the President or Prime Minister or both; and, the Center of Devolution whether it is the district or the region.
We ask the government to respect the wishes of Kenyans. The Executive, Judiciary and Parliament are all creations of the constitution and therefore none can make what creates it. The three arms must be restrained from interfering with this supreme law of the land. We still believe in the president’s promise that the new constitution would be in place by June 2004. A definite timetable towards the deadline given by the president should be drawn up.
The Economy: The Majority of Kenyans continue to languish in poverty, unemployment rates continue to increase, and crime continues to soar. According to the 2003 Millennium Development Goals: Progress Report for Kenya, poverty trends are worrying. Kenyans are very poor and the percentage of people living in poverty is projected to increase to 65.9% from the current 56% by the year 2015 if the current trends continue. However, we do appreciate the recent efforts made by the government in organizing the just concluded Kenya 2004 International Investors Conference. More needs to be done to boost investor confidence, such as lower tax regimes, improvement in the infrastructure, especially the dilapidated road network. Special emphasis must be placed on the agricultural sector.
Insecurity: We would like to categorically state that the issue of insecurity is a troublesome wound that never seems to heal. Kenyans, from the rich to the poor are suffering under the hands of gun-wielding and trigger-happy gangs. Many Kenyans have died; many have lost their relatives and friends; many have been injured; and lots of property has been lost to crime and insecurity. To many Kenyans, the threat of international terrorism is not as grave as the issue of rising nationwide insecurity. Security is not only a right of every Kenyan and a responsibility of the government, but also a prerequisite for investment and future development.
Recent Incitement to Violence: Kenya’s history of ethnic animosity has been triggered by anonymous leaflets, irresponsible public utterances by leaders and political competition as opposed to cooperation. Recent reports of anonymous notices asking some communities to vacate their homes are disturbing and should be strongly condemned.
In every consensus building in the peace process, there are spoilers. We appeal to all Kenyans to take advantage of the open channels of communication in order to express their views no matter how divergent they may appear to be. We also appeal for restraint and to use every opportunity to build bridges of peace in our communities. This is the responsibility of all; our leaders and the common Mwananchi.
Concluding Remarks
At this time of the Easter Season, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. This gives us hope that although we are different people, we should stand united as Kenyans. Like it is often said, our unity lies in our diversity. “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body” (1Cor: 12:12); we should not despair in the face of difficulties but forge ahead to rebuild our nation. It is our prayer that Kenyans of all walks of life; leaders and the ordinary Mwananchi move as one. We do this believing in the solemn promise of Christ that “ I will be with you… till the end of time” (Mat 28:19-20).
Signed by all Catholic Bishops of Kenya
1. Rt. Rev Cornelius Arap Korir - Bishop of Eldoret/Chairman, K.E.C
2. Rt. Rev. Peter Kairo - Bishop of Nakuru/Vice Chairman, KEC
3. Most Rev. R. S. Ndingi Mwana á Nzeki - Archbishop of Nairobi
4. Most Rev. John Njenga - Archbishop of Mombasa
5. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth - Archbishop of Kisumu
6. Most Rev. Nicodemus Kirima - Archbishop of Nyeri
7. Most Rev. John Njue - Co-adjutor Archbishop of Nyeri
8. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - Bishop of Kakamega
9. Rt. Rev. Ambrose Ravasi - Bishop of Marsabit
10. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin - Bishop of Garissa
11. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa - Bishop of Kisii
12. Rt. Rev. Boniface Lele - Bishop of Kitui
13. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo - Bishop of Homa Bay
14. Rt. Rev. Luigi Locati - Bishop of Isiolo Vicariate
15. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich - Bishop of Military Ordinariate
16. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley - Bishop of Kitale
17. Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua - Bishop of Bungoma
18. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara Kariuki, IMC - Bishop of Murang’a
19. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a - Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
20. Rt. Rev. Anthony Mukobo, IMC - Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
21. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington - Bishop of Lodwar
22. Rt. Rev. Francis Baldacchino - Bishop of Malindi
23. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante IMC. - Bishop of Maralal
24. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi - Bishop of Meru
25. Rt. Rev. Cornelius Schilder - Bishop of Ngong
26. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro - Bishop of Nyahururu
27. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo - Bishop of Kericho
28. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde - Bishop of Machakos
29. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria - Bishop of Embu
April 2004 |
| Allall Catholic Bishops of Kenya (2004-05-04) |
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