By Arnold Neliba
NAIROBI, AUGUST 11, 2023 (CISA)-With the resumption of bipartisan talks between the government and opposition, Religious leaders have suggested inclusion of an agenda around tackling poverty and youth unemployment as part of the root causes of crises in Kenya.
The religious leaders note that besides plans to stabilize the economy, the plans have not reflected on the lives of individual Kenyans, especially the young people.
“We nonetheless urge for inclusion of agenda to address the deep-seated and longstanding issues including the consolidation of national unity and cohesion, tackling poverty and youth unemployment and fighting corruption and impunity,” reads a joint August 11 statement signed by Most Rev Martin Kivuva Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui General Secretary of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado Chairman of Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
Addressing the media after a meeting at Ufungamano House aimed at reviewing the socio-political and economic state of the nation, the bishops have rooted for multisectoral approach to national and county level dialogue process where voices of all Kenyans are heard.
With Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions accepting to sit down and talk, the religious leaders expect that they will resolve the immediate political crisis which includes the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
“We call upon the members of the dialogue team to wholly focus on the good for Kenya. We remind the two teams that their talks are being held in the backdrop of the deaths of more than 35 Kenyans in the demonstrations that happened in March, May and July 2023,” the statement reads.
In the absence of toxic political bickering, the leaders have told citizens this is a “chance to reflect on their lives and resume livelihood activities” asking the government and non-state actors to focus on strategies that promote adoption and strengthening of dignified livelihood in addressing poverty.
