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| Bishop Martin Kivuva |
Political and religious leaders have been challenged to unite the country which has been experiencing divisions along tribal, political and religious lines.
This was said in a homily during Mass led by Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva, Bishop Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for Social Communications, at the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, to mark the World Communication Dayon 1stof June 2014.
Hecalled on the leaders to put the interests of the nation first, saying that many Kenyans are concerned over increased incidences of greed and corruption. “Most leaders prefer to take shortcuts and paying themselves off handsomely at the expense of poor Kenyans,” he said.
Bishop Kivuva, who is also the Bishop of Machakos, appealed to Christians to protect and pray for the unity of the nation and choose to live in peace with each other, reminding them that Christ will always be with them.
Bishop Kivuva encouraged leaders to stand up against the plight of the poor and use the devolved funds for the intended purposes instead of embezzling or under-utilizing them. “It is unfortunate that sometimes the funds are returned to the national treasury over non-utilization, yet many Kenyans are suffering and yet such funds could be used to support projects for the poor if the leaders planned well,” he said.
He said that Kenya, which has over 80% population Christian, should embrace Christian value of truth and shun away from corruption.
Bishop Kivuva lauded the media for their role in uniting Kenyans. He noted that during the struggle for independence, the media played a major role in bringing the people together, and that Kenyans still experience the same sense of brotherhood although in a less pronounced way. Bishop Kivuva was quick to single out the advantages and disadvantages posed by the media, urging the people to only use the media positively.
The 48th World Communication Day has the theme “Catholic media for a culture of peace in the family and in the world.”
SOURCE: Waumini Communications KCCB