A Time for Rebirth – Press Statement
July 2, 2024
A Time for Rebirth
Press Statement
Isaiah 43: 18 – 19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
A two-day induction workshop has been held for the officials elected to NCCK committees in Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties as well as the Central Region. The workshop, held at Bethany House, Sagana, was aimed at sensitizing the leaders on NCCK’s history, constitution, governance structures, policies and programmes.
The NCCK officials have recognized that Kenya is at a critical moment of redefining and reshaping her character and future. We are at the threshold of a brand new nation, and every Kenyan has a chance and responsibility to make their contribution. Towards this, we share the following message.
1. Listen to the People
The Bible in Proverbs 15: 22 points out that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed”. It is of absolute importance that in reshaping our nation, we listen to each other. In this regard, we call upon all leaders, especially political, religious and social, to keenly listen to the people so as to discern and honor their will. The season of chest-thumping and bravado is over.
We find it quite unfortunate that the young people of Kenya are getting into a second week of demonstrations without their issues being heard or addressed comprehensively. They are making their contribution in the reshaping of the nation, and should be listened to by all.
On our part, we are engaging the leadership structures of the churches to integrate the youth in governance and decision making structures and processes. We must adapt our churches to manifest the gospel of Jesus Christ in the language of the current generations.
2. No Further Bloodshed
Over the last two weeks, the youth of Kenya have come out to exercise their right to peaceful picketing as they contribute to the reshaping of our nation. We demand that the government stops curtailing this right by using the police to violently break up peaceful demonstrations. The use of excessive force that includes shooting demonstrators must be stopped. Further, all the demonstrators who were arrested last week should be unconditionally released since they were exercising their constitutional rights.
We in addition call upon the Inspector General to publicly account for all individuals who have been abducted or clandestinely arrested by the security agents. This trend of imposing fear on the people must be ended.
We reiterate that the role of the police this week is to escort and provide security to the Kenyans who have given notice of picketing in different parts of the country.
3. Honor the Heroes
It is with deep sadness that we send condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones due to police brutality in the last two weeks. We are also praying for quick recovery for all those injured.
To further honor their sacrifice, we are continuing with marking 7 days of mourning that will culminate in memorial services in all our churches on Sunday July 7, 2024. We welcome all Kenyans to join us as we mark Saba Saba in the churches honoring all heroes and freedom fighters.
4. Dignified Livelihoods for All
Recognizably, 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 call upon all leaders and institutions to focus more than 80 per cent 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 NCCK, we are working with our member churches to develop youth led, youth owned and youth focused programs of action, in addition to enhancing the budgets allocated to youth departments.
5. Transform Agricultural Economy
Recognizing that the main economic engagement in our region is agriculture, we are concerned that the County Governments have failed to inspire industrialization and value addition which would move the sector to a higher level. To remedy this, we urge the governments in our counties to:
One, provide budgets for training of farmers on innovation and value addition so as to improve the incomes and welfare of the farmers and their families
Two, employ and deploy more agronomists and field staff to train and mentor the farmers
Three, develop initiatives aimed at inspiring the youth to embrace agriculture and especially value addition as a dignified livelihood, and,
Four, reduce taxes and levies charged on agricultural inputs and products
6. Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Appreciating that the Kenya that emerges from this season must be one premised on constitutional democracy and justice, we call upon 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 must no longer be denied the justice of holding by-elections on account of lack of an electoral management body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we appreciate the contributions of all Kenyans, and especially the youth, for peaceful conduct as we all journey together in reshaping and redefining our nation. Let us all be guided and inspired by the National Anthem
O 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
May God bless the NCCK Central Region and the entire nation.
Signed on this 2nd day of July 2024 at Bethany House, Sagana.
Bishop Dr Timothy Gichere
Regional Chairman, NCCK Central Region
