Christian Workers in Kenya Urge Politicians to Engage Professionals in Campaigns

In the statement signed by KCPF Chairman and Secretary, Charles Kanjama and Vincent Komosop respectively, the leadership of the Christian professionals in Kenya call on aspirants to political positions to “genuinely pursue honest campaigns, marked by integrity and pursuit of servant leadership.”

Political actors need to fairly communicate their character traits, agenda, track record and competence, KCPF officials say, and urge Kenyan politicians to be law-compliant. 

During campaigns, they say, politicians ought to “assiduously avoid inflammatory statements, hate speech, bribery and political manipulation.”

“Let’s all embrace political tolerance and remember that there is life after elections,” the leadership of KCPF tells Kenyan politicians. 

They call upon all Kenyans to “take up the mantle of preaching peace and unity before and after the elections.”

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“Political contestation naturally involves efforts at distinction among the contestants, some good some bad. Let us avoid being manipulated towards negative sentiments of other Kenyans on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race or other inherent or cultural characteristics,” KCPF officials say.

They add, “Stereotyping of others easily leads to hate speech, whether in public or in private settings, whether in social media or through whispered remarks.” 

Addressing themselves to all professionals in the East African nation, KCPF officials ask that they pursue “our role as technical experts in matters relating to governance and social justice, especially as we get into the political campaign season.”

“Professionals have been centric in offering solutions to our country’s predicaments, but sometimes, unfortunately, they have been part of the problem,” says the leadership of Christian professionals in Kenya.

KCPF officials further call upon Kenyan eligible voters to vote for leaders who “have the best interest of our country at heart.” 

In the two-page statement, the leadership of Christian professionals in Kenya urges government agencies, business people and corporates in the country “to facilitate the common and public good in your various engagements.”

“Uphold our national values and principles of governance. Remember to respect the sanctity of life, religious freedom and family values. You are key stakeholders in the governance space in Kenya,” KCPF officials say in their statement issued January 25.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.