LET US SUPPORT THE IEBC TO SECURE ELECTIONS 2022 – Executive Committee
December 9, 2021
LET US SUPPORT THE IEBC TO SECURE ELECTIONS 2022
Press Statement
A. Preamble
The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya held a blended meeting on December 8 and 9, 2021 with delegates present at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, while others joined on a virtual platform. In our meeting, we reflected on the guidance that God has given to the leaders in society as recorded in Psalm 82: 3 – 4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
We recognize that in 210 days, we will hold General Elections where Kenyans will put in place the administration to govern the nation for the next 5 years. It is our prayer, hope and inspiration that the incoming leaders will focus on raising all Kenyans from the prevailing despondency driven by widespread poverty. To achieve this aspiration, we make the following recommendations.
B. Uphold Elections Management
We in NCCK recognize that as per the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the only body entrusted with a mandate to manage elections is the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). It is therefore the duty of every Kenyan to support and protect the Commission, recognizing that confidence in the IEBC influences confidence of the people in the persons elected into office.
We remain concerned that public confidence level in the IEBC is quite low, and there is an urgent need for remedial actions. It is for this reason that we in the NCCK organized a prayer service for the Commission yesterday, and we encourage all Kenyans to engage in similar affirmative actions.
On their part, we urge the IEBC to take necessary actions to build public confidence that they will deliver peaceful, free, fair and credible elections by among other actions:
- Publicly communicate the actions taken to address the shortcomings that led to the nullification of the results of the 2017 presidential poll
- Provide regular, at the minimum monthly, updates to Kenyans to highlight the preparations made for the elections for purposes of transparency and accountability
- Undertake open, effective and continuous engagement with all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure free flow of information on the elections
Further to this, we call upon the National Treasury to release the designated funds to the IEBC to enable them prepare adequately.
We also encourage the Judiciary and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority to speedily process any cases touching on elections-related materials and services to avoid a last-minute rush that has in the past negatively affected the Commission.
C. Uphold the Law
We in this Executive Committee continue to be appalled by the high level of perceived inequality before the law in the country. It seems that the rich and politically senior people are exempt from the laws that govern the rest of Kenyans. This should not be.
We urge all Kenyans, and especially those in law enforcement institutions, to ensure justice and equality of all Kenyans. This is essential to accord all Kenyans, especially the women, the youth and persons with disabilities, a fair opportunity to participate in the General Elections.
Any person who breaks the law should have the prescribed action taken against them, regardless of their status or positions in society.
D. Our Commitment
Recognizing the critical need for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in August 2022, the NCCK commits to:
(i) Organize prayer and fasting in our churches, and at county and national levels, to commit the nation to God
(ii) Provide civic education that empowers people to make informed choices
(iii) Organize our members to monitor the electoral process and report instances of malpractices to relevant authorities
(iv) Name and speak against any individuals who engage in hate speech or employ insulting and indecent language
(v) Promote dialogue and provide mediation in instances where peace is threatened
(vi) Regularly meet the candidates at all levels to promote peace and acceptance of election results
(vii) Promote empowerment and mentoring of the youth to assume positions of leadership in our churches and in the community
(viii) Continue protecting the sanctity of the pulpit by:
(a) Avoiding inviting or involving aspirants in fundraisings in our churches in line with the law which states that one should not engage in harambees eight months to an election
(b) Not allowing politicians and aspirants to address worshippers during services
E. Message of Comfort
We in this Executive Committee wish to bring to all Kenyans a message of comfort as is recorded in Isaiah 3: 10
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruits of their deeds
Kenyans have gone through a difficult period as they navigate the debilitating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, disruption of life due to climate change, and crippling poverty as the national economy continues to falter.
We especially pass a message of condolence and mourn with the families that were bereaved in the recent tragedies, which include the bus accident at Mwingi, the mine collapse in Bondo, and the mass shooting at Kabete. May God console and comfort you all.
But despite this, God is still Lord over this nation, and He will bless us all.
Conclusion
We conclude by once again calling upon all Kenyans to play their part in preparing the nation for elections next year. We must not wait until the last minute to rush and plunge the nation into chaos.
Let us do all we can to actualize the 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.
We now wish all Kenyans a Merry and Blessed Christmas, and a Hopeful and God-filled New Year 2022. As you engage in the festivities, we urge you to continue observing the Covid-19 prevention protocols, and to go for vaccination. Let us protect ourselves and others.
May God bless Kenya now and always.
Signed on this 9th day of December 2021 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki
Chairman
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
