In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- NCCK urges Kenyans to hold leaders accountable and recall non-performing MPs.
- NCCK demands urgent IEBC reconstitution to safeguard elections.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a passionate appeal to Kenyans to reject misinformation from the government and actively hold their leaders accountable. In a joint statement signed by Chairman Rev.
Dr. Elias Otieno Agola and General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui on Tuesday, the council expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, comparing Kenya’s current situation to a patient in critical condition.
NCCK attributed many of Kenya’s challenges to the public’s susceptibility to misleading narratives propagated by political leaders intent on gaining or retaining power.
“The situation in our country is the direct result of our tendency, as the people of Kenya, to listen to and believe the narratives peddled by persons seeking to rise to or hold onto politics and leadership. These narratives are often premised on lies and falsehoods,” the statement read.
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They urged citizens to verify information critically, emphasizing, “Be seekers of truth. Do not just believe what is said, but take a step to verify if what you have been told is true.”
The council also criticized the current Members of Parliament (MPs) for failing to represent the electorate effectively. Instead of overseeing the Executive as required by the Constitution, NCCK accused MPs of supporting oppressive laws and policies.
“Instead of representing the people, they have become spanner boys carrying out the work of the Executive. Instead of oversighting the Executive, they are cheerleaders in oppressing the people,” NCCK stated, adding that this situation is unsustainable.
In a call to action, NCCK reminded voters of their constitutional right to recall non-performing MPs.
“We encourage you as voters to collect signatures and commence the processes of recalling the Members of Parliament who are not performing as per your requirements and demands. As the electorate, you are the employer, not a servant, of the Members of Parliament and other elected leaders,” they asserted.
Addressing the delayed reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), NCCK condemned the government’s inaction as an insult to Kenyans and a threat to democracy.
“IEBC is the most crucial organ in the exercise of democracy in Kenya, for it is the body mandated to facilitate election and removal of leaders. The persistent refusal by the current political leadership to reconstitute the IEBC is a major insult to the people of Kenya,” the statement read.
NCCK called on Kenyans to demand immediate action, urging them to pressure the Judiciary to resolve cases concerning the IEBC reconstitution within two weeks.
“We encourage you, as the citizens of Kenya, not to give your elected leaders and their appointees peace until they heed to the demand for urgent recruitment of IEBC Commissioners as provided for in the Constitution. We must get back our democracy,” NCCK concluded.
Through their statement, NCCK underscored the critical role of citizens in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy and holding leaders accountable to the Constitution.