Secure Lives of Kenyans Above All Else
March 29, 2021
Secure Lives of Kenyans Above All Else
Press Statement
Preamble
The Regional Committee of the NCCK Western Region has met here at Amelemba, Kakamega Town, today March 29th 2021 to transact statutory business and reflect on the state of the region. We were inspired by the scripture recorded in Hebrews 12: 13
Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Having noted the importance of those who are in positions of responsibility to do all they can to protect lives of the people, we wish to share the following message.
1. Secure Kenyans from Covid-19 Pandemic
This Regional Committee has followed the progression of the Covid-19 pandemic in our country with concern and with a lot of prayers. It is our confidence that God will grant us a solution for this pandemic. We have in the meantime taken time to pray for quick recovery for all the infected and affected, and for the bereaved that God will grant them consolation and peace.
While we understand and appreciate the measures put in place in government to manage the spread of the infection, we urge for sensitivity so that the lives of Kenyans are not unnecessarily made difficult. Of great concern is the abruptness of announcement of restrictions and lockdowns that creates a crisis for the citizens. The panic and frantic activity that follows these announcements cause the people to actually disregard the protective measures announced by the Ministry of Health.
We are also concerned about the suspension of services in places of worship despite the outstanding evidence that faith leaders have embraced and implemented the measures announced by the Ministry of Health. We urge the government to avoid creating the impression that it is against the practice of faith. The church is a strong partner in the fight against Covid-19.
Further, we urge the Ministry of Health to roll out a vibrant vaccination program to cover all Kenyans within the shortest time possible. Lockdowns alone will not stop the Coronavirus from spreading.
2. Secure Kenya Towards 2022 General Elections
This Regional Committee recalls with trepidation the pre and post election violence that rocked out counties in 2017 and 2018. We call upon the government and concerned state agencies to put in place measures to prevent and punish actions that would threaten peace, security and national cohesion of Kenyans. Let us always remember the advice the Bible gives in Proverbs 21: 11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom, when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
And also the guidance of Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
We remind all that the Bible defines mockers are people who are arrogant and behave with overwhelming pride, as we read in Proverbs 21: 24. This definition clearly fits most of our political actors, and they need to be brought under control.
In this regard, we wish to recommend the following measures:
- That His Excellency the President initiates the process of appointment of commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to replace those who resigned so that the country is ready for the 2022 General Elections
- That Parliament works with the IEBC and other stakeholders to complete the processing and passing of the Political Party Primaries Bill; the Referendum Bill; the Campaign Finance (Amendment) Bill; the Representation of Special Interest Groups Bill; and the Gender Parity Bill
- That the National Cohesion and Integration Commission develops and implements a framework of shaming and naming all leaders who use toxic and vile language that causes ethnic hatred and divisions.
3. Conducive Environment for Investment
This Regional Committee is deeply concerned that despite our region being rich in natural resources, fertile soils and abundant rainfall, most of our people continue to suffer from abject poverty. Devolution has not been a solution to this malaise.
While appreciating that economic empowerment is a responsibility for each individual, we note that poverty eradication requires a conducive environment to succeed. We challenge the governors of the counties in our region to consider putting in place measures that will make investment more attractive:
On our part, we have committed to provide solutions to this problem of poverty by mobilizing community members to hold their leaders to account by demanding for justice and good governance.
4. Secure National Cohesion
This Regional Committee is concerned that the words and actions of various political actors are threatening national cohesion. Many are falling back to the belief that they need to mobilize ethnic hatred and antagonism to gain votes during the coming elections.
We now call upon the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, the National Police Service Commission, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to deal decisively with law breakers who stir hatred and division among the people. Incitement and hate mongering by political actors must be speedily and publicly punished, always remembering that allowing any person to get away with irresponsible speech motivates others to do the same. This is the warning the Bible gives us in Ecclesiastes 8: 11
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we wish all Kenyans and the entire world God’s presence, favour and mercy as we celebrate Easter. Let us all embrace the salvation that Jesus died to bring to us.
We also pray for all the Form Four candidates as they sit for their examinations.
May God always hear 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
Signed on this 29th day of March 2021 at NCCK Property at Amalemba, Kakamega.
Bishop Sinema Pamba
Regional Vice Chairman, NCCK Western Region
