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| HE Cardinal John Njue during the press conference |
The Kenyan Catholic Bishops have called upon Kenyan leaders to desist from engaging in politics that tend to promote ethnic hatred and divisions among Kenyans saying that unity in the country is paramount.
Speaking during the press conference, H.E John Cardinal Njue said that national dialog is very important but leaders need to use proper channels that will ensure peace and unity. “When there are misunderstandings, it is important that leaders put their heads together and find a solution. It is therefore important to focus on the kind of structures that we have already, which are given in the constitution such as parliament and county assemblies,” the Cardinal said.
The call for unity by the bishops comes at a time when tension is high in some parts of the country following recent attacks and killings in Mpeketoni, in Malindi and leaflet warnings to certain communities in to evacuate certain areas; a move that is perceived to be a revenge attack warning.
Below is the full statement:
PRESS STATEMENT BY KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS (KCCB)
25th June 2014, Nairobi
UNITY OF THE NATION IS PARAMOUNT
"That they all may be one" (John17, 21)
We the Kenya Conference ofCatholic bishops share the great concern of all Kenyans at the situation we find ourselves in ourcountry, of the heightened state of insecurity that we have witnessed in the recent attacks and killings in Mpeketoni, Kibaoni area and the continuing attacks in other parts of Kenya like Baringo, Wajir, West Pokot, Turkana, El Wak and Mandera. We pray for the victims and express our heartfelt condolences sympathy to the bereaved and affected families.
This situation has been aggravated further by the rising political temperatures on both sides of the political divide, which are tending towards negative ethnicity. For this reason we strongly urge that this is not the right moment for national political rallies, called to agitate the people on both sides of the political divide.
We the Catholic bishops,compelled by our desire for peace for our Nation, fervently ask the political leaders of our Country, both of the government and the opposition, to put aside their personal and party interests, in order to address critical issues which are affecting our Country. These we expect should be addressed within the constitutional framework and the established institutions: Parliament, National Executive, Judiciary and Independent Tribunals (Cf. Constitution of Kenya, Article 1).This is the time to show true leadership and statesmanship.
The great flaw in the security system in our Country has been evidenced in these recent incidents. We attribute this to the inherent corruption within the system.We would like to see a thorough reform of the entire security system. The great number of lives lost in these last months and property destroyed is unacceptable and regrettable in a God fearing country.
The citizens of this country expect from the State, protection and security in every corner of our country. We bishops expect no less.
We realize that part of the state of anxiety, is caused by poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. We urge the political class in the National and County levels,to stop misusing and manipulating the poor and the youth for political selfish ends, but rather seek to address their problems through constructive guidance and programs for economic growth.
The solutions of this crisis must be found by the citizens of this country in keeping with the avenues provided by the Constitution. We must resist external interference be it ideological, political or economical.
We appeal to the conscience of every Kenyan, to be patriotic and loyal to this Nation, and not to give space in their hearts for hatred and lawlessness but rather to practice love of the neighbor, repentance, asking for forgiveness and seeking reconciliation.
Let us entrust ourselves and our Nation to almighty God.
Signed by:
………………………………………………………
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Chairman Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and 26 Other Bishops from the Conference