By Arnold Neliba
NAIROBI, JULY 21, 2023 (CISA)-Amid protests on the rising cost of living in the country, Catholic bishops in Kenya have appealed to President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act and institute a process that will seek to achieve the same goals within the current economic context.
“We do realize the part of the disappointment and disillusionment of Kenyans that is leading to the grave agitation and anger is the severe economic distress. The high cost of living has created a burden on individuals and families, making it difficult for them to meet their basic needs and maintain decent standards of living,” reads a July 19 statement by Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The prelates are concerned that amidst struggles by Kenyans to afford essential goods and services, to secure stable employment and financial hardships they feel unheard and overlooked by their government with government leaders issuing conflicting messages.
“We are particularly appalled by unbecoming, insulting and inciting statements made by leaders. This is causing confusion among the population regarding the direction the country is taking. Many things remain unclear on the Government policy and direction; for example, education, health, Plight of poor, strategies to improve employment,” the bishops emphasized while asking the government to actively listen to the plight of Kenyans, provide clear and honest explanations for unfulfilled promises, and prioritize policies that alleviate socio-economic burdens.
The statement issued on Wednesday, day one of the three day protests called by the opposition strongly condemned police brutality on innocent Kenyans during demonstrations. The bishops cautioned the police against taking advantage of the situation to brutalize Kenyans. Six people were killed on Wednesday protests with Amnesty International estimating that 30 people have died during protests since March.
“We want to emphasize on this issue and express a firm stance against such acts of violence and abuse of power. Police have an obligation to deal with criminals disguised as demonstrators. Police cannot take advantage to brutalize innocent Kenyans. Such acts are unacceptable and must not be tolerated under any circumstances. Police brutality undermines the fundamental principles of human rights, justice, and the rule of law,” the bishops held.
Through demonstrations, the opposition also aims to petition the government on issues in contest among them; involvement in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and transparency of the August 2022 General Elections.
“We now make this passionate appeal to President William Ruto and Rt Hon Raila Odinga to give dialogue chance. We demand that the failed bipartisan talks should be resumed in a different context that brings on board the religious leaders and some other eminent persons and bodies. We believe that there is no problem, however difficult, that cannot be solved through dialogue. We must at all costs avoid the loss of lives. No further blood should be shed,” the statement reads.
The bishops are recommending a consensus building convention under the leadership of religious leaders with a multi-sectoral participation to identify major issues ailing the country and to map out a path in addressing the challenges.
