Kenya is Changing; Listen to the Kenyans for Direction
July 5, 2024
Kenya is Changing; Listen to the Kenyans for Direction
Press Statement
The officials elected to NCCK Committees in Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties have held a two-day induction workshop here at Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort, Kanamai. The officials were sensitized on NCCK’s history, constitution, governance structures, policies and programmes.
Further, the officials took time to reflect on the state of the nation, and were challenged by the scripture recorded in Galatians 2: 11
When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.
Though Peter was a key pillar of the church, he had to listen when Paul pointed out the ways in which he had faltered. Recognizing the importance of listening to one another, we now share the following message.
1. A Time for Rebirth
Our nation Kenya is at a time of change. We are at the doorstep of a brand new nation, and it is for us to determine whether it will be prosperous or impoverished. We call upon all Kenyans, and especially the residents of our counties, to be alert to this reality and be ready to play our part, so that we avoid being like the people who make God sad as we read in Jeremiah 8: 7
Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know.
It is therefore important for all Kenyans to be involved and to contribute to this journey of transformation, recognizing as the Bible says that we cannot walk together if we have not agreed to do so. We therefore challenge all political, religious and community leaders to keenly listen to the people. This is not a time to justify oneself, show bravado or play mind games. That season is over.
Kenyans have spoken, and through the issues raised in the demonstrations fronted by the youth over the last three weeks, have made their preferences clear. We here highlight the 3 key messages Kenyans wish their government to hear:
- Stop Punitive Taxation
Over the last three years, the Finance Bills have progressively increased taxation to unmanageable levels. This has increased the sense of exasperation and despair among Kenyans who are already in mental anguish. While we appreciate that the President indicated that he had rejected the Finance Bill 2024, we note that the percentage of individual income that goes to tax is more than 40%. This is too high, and we call upon government to further reduce it so as to promote productivity. When we produce more, we will pay more. But if you tax more, we will pay less.
- Restructure Government to cut Expenditure
Recognizing that the high appetite for income by the government is unsustainable, we counsel His Excellency President William Ruto to spearhead a major restructuring of the government so as to reduce expenditure. Things cannot remain the same. All unnecessary expenses should be removed so that the country can live within its means. This will especially eradicate the need for the government to continue incurring debts.
- End Corruption
The biggest curse affecting our nation is the ogre called corruption. Not only are our national resources being wasted, but they are also being stolen by government officials. This must be stopped for Kenya to be reborn. A lot has been said about corruption, and Kenyans now demand for action, not more speeches or promises.
- No Further Bloodshed
Every Kenyan is guaranteed by the Constitution the right to hold peaceful demonstrations and present memoranda to public officials. We are therefore deeply saddened that the police have unleashed brutality on peaceful demonstrators. Reports indicate that more than 39 Kenyans have been killed in the demonstrations in the last two weeks, while hundreds have been brutally injured. Is this the Kenya we want to live in?
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.
2. Honoring the Departed Heroes
Saddened by the killing of more than 39 Kenyans by police during the recent demonstrations, we pass our condolences to the bereaved families. We are continuing to pray for all the injured and affected for quick recovery.
On our part, we have mobilized our member churches across the country to mark 7 days of mourning that will culminate in memorial services on Sunday 7th July 2024. We welcome all Kenyans to join us in our churches as we mark Saba Saba by honoring all the heroes and freedom fighters. At the national level, the memorial service will be at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, from 2:00 pm.
3. End the Indignity of Squatting
Appreciably, no citizen in a the reborn nation should suffer the indignity of being a squatter. We call upon the government to speedily complete the adjudication and registration of land in the coastal counties in a just and equitable manner. The suffering of more than 60% of residents in our counties must be ended. Each person should be enabled to hold title deeds for the lands on which they live and farm.
4. Address Rampant Insecurity
The counties in this region continue to suffer a major challenge of insecurity due to criminal gangs. People have been killed, while tens have been maimed though injuries inflicted with pangas and other crude weapons. For how long will this situation be allowed to continue? We challenge the Inspector General to revamp the security operations and leadership in this region.
5. Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
The Kenya we all aspire for is a Kenya that is premised on constitutional democracy to safeguard justice, peace and liberty. We therefore call upon His Excellency President William Ruto and concerned stakeholders to speedily facilitate completion of the process of appointment 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, recall the inspiration of God recorded in 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?
We appeal to all Kenyans to embrace the new nation that Kenya is being shaped into. Let us all join hands to play our role and contribute to making of the new nation.
May God bless the NCCK Coast Region and the entire nation now and always.
Signed on this 5th day of July 2024 at Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort, Kanamai.
Bishop Dr Peter Mwero
Chairman, NCCK Coast Region
