NAIROBI APRIL 12, 2016(CISA) – The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called on the government to end corruption, tribalism, injustices among other social ills in the country.
In a statement read in alternations by KCCB Chairman Bishop Philip Anyolo and his deputy Bishop John Oballa Owaa , the bishops said that the country “was heading into a dangerous direction and these issues must be addressed to save our nation.”
The bishops said that Kenyans must rise and fight “the disease (corruption) with all weapons we have adding that any form of corruption that is destroying our social fabric must be undermined before it bites.”
“The cancer of corruption is killing our Country. The ordinary men and women are bearing the burden of corruption. Majority of Kenyans are wallowing in poverty and are unable to meet their basic needs. They don’t have access to proper medical care… Now is the time to rise and face this malignant disease with all the weapons we have,” the bishops said.
The prelates noted that the Church was prepared to join Kenyans in efforts to create a just society of love, peace and integrity in all spheres.
They said that some selfish political leaders were sending the country down the path of destruction and must be contained.
The bishops were speaking after the end of a five-day plenary assembly at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi April 8.
They said that the recent International Criminal Court ruling involving Deputy President William Ruto and Journalist Joshua Sang was not an outcome of winners and losers since the fate of 2007 post poll violence was not yet fully resolved.
“The outcome of the ruling does not resolve the cause and pain of the violence. We realize that the trauma of the post-election violence has not been fully healed,” the bishops said in the statement on the theme “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life (Mk 8:36-37).”
The bishops said the decision gave Kenya a chance for reconciliation and the government must ensure the victims are compensated.
“Our appeal to the National Government and other County Governments is to offer solutions for the victims, through compensations and plans of reconciliation and integration. This is an opportunity for Kenya to sincerely demonstrate its commitment of never again to take the Country back to the dark days of 2007/2008, to be more conscious of the plight of the victims, to invest more in building true reconciliation and work towards a truly united Nation,” said the bishops.
They regretted that Kenya has had politically-instigated violence since 1992 yet none of the perpetrators had been brought to book.
“It is unfortunate that Kenyans who were affected by the violence in which 1,133 people were killed and nearly 600,000 displaced from their homes have largely been ignored,” wondered the bishops.
“Kenya’s founding fathers dreamt of a country guided by visionary leaders who would have the welfare of the whole country at heart, leaders of integrity who would rise above petty politics and ethnic interests and forge a united nation.”
The bishops also termed corruption allegations facing the Supreme Court and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as a major cause of concern.
“Elections are very important activities in any country as they promote good governance and democracy. IEBC is such an important institution in this process and when it is also riddled with claims of corruption and incompetence, then our democracy and future is in danger,” concluded the bishops.
