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| Most Re. Zacchaeus Okoth , Archbishop of Kisumu and Chairman CJPC-KCCB (Photo Courtesy of KCCB) |
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have called for responsible leadership for the country’s safety and security saying that each elected leader must play his/her constitutionally assigned role to serve Kenyans and desist from the incessant power struggles and political patronage.
In a press statement issued on 28th August and sent to AMECEA Online News, the commission observed that the country has witnessed serious power struggles and political patronage of elected leaders at the expense of service to the people of Kenya.
“As a peace commission, we are highly concerned with systematic arming of different militia groups, radicalization of the youth and conflicts leading to massive killings, displacement, and destruction of property, being witnessed in different counties,” read the statement.
The commission condemned the continued insecurity and heinous acts terming them as totally unacceptable and must come to a stop. “How many more lives must be lost for us Kenyans to say enough is enough? Every life is precious we urge all sides to stop this culture of death,” read the statement.
In regards to call for referendum, the commission said that while this might be necessary, it is important for Kenyans to be adequately informed and involved for the interest of the nation and not for an individual or political grouping's interests.
“The political class should widely consult and create awareness on the issue of referendum to ensure that it is for the interest of Kenyans and not to serve their own interests,” read the statement.
The Commission which was meeting in Kwale County in the Archdiocese of Mombasa for an Annual General Meeting also recommended that the government and its institutions should enforce the comprehensive framework as provided in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and subsequent laws on land to address the issue of land which is apparently becoming a complex issue in the country with many unanswered questions that has led to a number of conflicts in the country in the recent past.
“The government should implement the recommendations of Ndung'u Land Report and the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission report,” the commission recommended.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Social Communications