A CALL TO CALM, PATIENCE, AND PEACE
August 12, 2022
We, the religious leaders, thank God and all Kenyans for the peace experienced so far in the electioneering period. We continue to pray for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as they count and tally the votes. As we all wait for the process to be completed, we call to mind the advice given in Philippians 4: 6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1. Gratitude
We take this moment to commend Kenyans for conducting themselves honorably during the campaign period and on the polling day. We thank all citizens for the patience we have exhibited during this period of counting, tallying and declaration of results.
Appreciating that national focus is on the Presidential Poll, we note that the law requires the Chairman of the IEBC to verify and tally all the Form 34As. It is imperative that we accord the Commission the time and space necessary for it to dispense its constitutional mandate of ensuring that the results declared faithfully reflect the will of the people and comply with the law.
2. Call to exercise Patience
For this reason, Dear Kenyans, we appeal to all of us to remain patient and to have self control on our emotions. No one should do or say anything that threatens national cohesion or hurt their neighbour. Patience is a critical virtue that we must have so as to maintain peace and justice.
In this regard, we are concerned about the instances of lawlessness and violence witnessed at different tallying centers. Let us bring this to an end by using the laid down procedures and structures to address any disputes that emerge during the tallying processes.
We call upon the Commissioners and staff of IEBC to carry out their duties with utmost good faith. We note that a number of Presiding and Returning officers have been arrested on suspicion of engaging in fraudulent activities. Let every IEBC officer be warned that they will be held individually responsible for any electoral malpractices they engage in.
We do take this opportunity to thank the security agencies for doing everything in their power to ensure security in the electoral process. There has been a noted respect for human rights of the citizens in the process, which is commendable. We ask this is maintained in the next phase of the election cycle.
3. Appeal to Presidential Candidates
As religious leaders, we wish to make a special appeal to the Presidential Candidates, their agents and all their supporters. Kindly maintain the commitment to peace and encourage your supporters to be patient. Do not speak or act in a way to provoke your supporters to engage in violence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we remind all of us that we are all children of God and citizens of the Kenya. We have no other home. It is our national honor to elect our leaders. Elections should pull us together, not tear us apart. Let every one of us exercise patience, and reflect on the word of God in Matthew 5: 9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Signed on this 12th day of August 2022 at Donum Dei, Roussel House, Karen, Nairobi.
Rt Rev John Oballa Owaa
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
National Council of Churches of Kenya
