Dialogue for the Good of Kenya
August 11, 2023
DIALOGUE FOR THE GOOD OF KENYA
PRESS STATEMENT
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven (Matthew 18: 19)
Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation. And dispute with them in the most virtuous manner. Surely thy Lord is He Who knows best those who stray from His way, and He knows best the rightly guided. (Quran Surah An Nahl 16:125)
PREAMBLE
Religious Leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, have met here at Ufungamano House to review the socio-political and economic state of the nation.
We reflected on the realisation that prosperity, peace and joy in our nation is dependent on unity, as we recognize in the National Anthem:
Let all with one accord, in common bond united, Build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour, fill every heart with thanksgiving
1. Dialogue, but for the Good of the Nation
Having experienced the tension, violence and political disquiet since the beginning of the year, Kenyans have in the last few days heaved a sigh of relief as the bipartisan talks got underway. The absence of toxic political bickering has accorded citizens a chance to reflect on their lives and resume livelihood activities.
We therefore commend the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja coalitions leaders for heeding the advice of Kenyans and accepting to sit down and talk.
On their part, we call upon the members of the dialogue teams to wholly focus on the good of Kenya. We remind the two teams that their talks are being held in the backdrop of the deaths of more than 35 Kenyans in the demonstrations that happened in March, May and July 2023. The success of the talks will assuage the hearts of Kenyans who have been wounded in body and spirit.
2. Fix The Root Causes of Crisis in Kenya
Historically, the political elite in Kenya engage in talks and consultations to address post-election crisis that emerge due to disputes over presidential poll results.
As such, Kenyans expect that the Bipartisan talks between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions will resolve the immediate political crisis, including the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
We nonetheless urge for inclusion of agenda to address the deep-seated and long standing issues including the consolidation of national unity and cohesion, tackling poverty and youth unemployment, and fighting corruption and impunity.
Further, we call for a multisectoral approach to national and county level dialogue processes where the voices of all Kenyans are heard.
3. Promote Dignified Livelihoods
Recognizably, majority of Kenyans are suffering immensely due to the ravages of poverty. While we appreciate the sentiments and plans by the national and county governments to stabilize the economy, these have not reflected on the lives of individual Kenyans, especially the young people.
We now call upon the government and non-state actors to focus on strategies that promote adoption and strengthening of dignified livelihoods for the people. Prosperity of the nation is premised on the well-being of every Kenyan, and that is where our policies should be focused.
4. Conclusion
We conclude by reminding all Kenyans that we are in a delicate situation that requires careful consideration of the action of each of us. Let us exercise restraint in every situation, so that we redeem our nation from the precipice.
Let us continually commit to prayer we make through our 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
Signed on this 11th day of August 2023 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi
Most Rev Martin Kivuva Musonde
Chairman, KCCB
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary, NCCK
Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado
Chairman, SUPKEM
