Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Diocese of Eldoret |
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has warned political leaders to avoid politics that divide people especially at this time of Covid-19 pandemic when unity is fundamental in the country.
“We call upon our political leaders to demonstrate leadership by committing themselves to the service of Kenyans and not engaging in divisive politics,” Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Diocese of Eldoret warned on Sunday, May 24, while presiding over a televised Mass at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi.
“This is the time when our political leaders should unite to fight the common enemy, Coronavirus,” Bishop Kimengich said encouraging politicians to focus on ways of containing the deadly virus.
The Bishops reminded politicians that division among them causes “concern, panic, unnecessary anxiety and worry among Kenyans who value peace and unity.”
Besides, they asked them not to forget the deaths and loss of property which occurred because of “political rivalry and quest for power, especially during the 2007-2008 post-election time.”
Giving the example of citizens within his diocese whose understanding of the behavior of Kenyan politicians at this moment may be limited, Bishop Kimengich said, “Our people are confused and unable to understand what is really happening to our politicians. People here are still hurt… and the wounds of post-election violence are still not yet healed.”
The Prelate who also heads the Canon law National Office at KCCB reminded Kenyans of his predecessor who is fondly remembered as an icon of peace saying, “I beg you, do not open these wounds and do not destroy all those efforts of peace building that people like the late Bishop Cornelius Korir worked for, day and night, to ensure that we have a cohesive society and peaceful Kenya.”
“Focus on the good of this country and put aside political games and jostling for political positioning regarding 2022 elections. We have a big problem in front of us and if we don’t put all our energies together in eradicating COVID-19, there might be no people to rule in the year 2022,” the Bishops continued adding, “This is not the time for politics.”
“We as Catholic bishops want to assure all citizens of our continuous prayers and spiritual support. We are aware of the anxiety and uncertainty that this pandemic and other natural disasters like floods, outbreak of cholera, locusts and mudslides are causing to the families and especially the most vulnerable persons,” the Bishop and added.
They Kenyan bishops also applaud the many people, organizations and churches who are supporting the vulnerable in the society. They also appreciated the health care workers for their service.
The Bishops in Kenya have been presiding over televised Eucharistic celebrations in turns every Sunday since government gave directive to Mass gatherings in order to stem the spread of Coronavirus.