"Speak boldly against vices holding Kenya Back”: President Kenyatta to Religious Leaders

He highlighted corruption as one of the vices ailing the country and acknowledged with appreciation the anti-graft efforts, which church leaders have initiated.

“The leadership of the church in the anti-corruption fight is highly appreciated,” the September 25 report seen by ACI Africa quotes President Kenyatta as saying adding, “There is still room for more action from the church; it is an all of society’s fight, not one for the government alone,".

The President went on to tell the representatives of religious leaders in Kenya, “In matters political, I know the church remains above politics. But we all have a duty to help our people to know that we cannot be a nation whose sole obsession is politics – all year, every year, year in year out.”

He called upon religious leaders in the country to “be the voice of reason and to foster messages of hope for the wellness of the Nation. We need you as our religious leaders to be non-partisan, and persons who help heal divides.”

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The report also notes that the Head of State, who is a Catholic, further urged the religious leaders to foster "bridges of unity between brothers and sisters, within families and communities."

During the meeting attended by senior government officials, the religious leaders presented a memorandum containing proposals “on how to address some of the challenges facing the country such as youth unemployment, drug abuse and gender-based violence.”

President Kenyatta, the report shows, assured religious leaders that his government “will continue partnering with religious institutions in the delivery of public services such as education and healthcare.” 

President Kenyatta and the religious leaders agreed to host national prayers on October 10 during which they will seek divine intervention as the country continue to fight against COVID-19.

Other issues discussed during the meeting, according to the report, include post-Covid-19 economic recovery; politics of division and the Big 4 Agenda, which comprise food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and affordable healthcare for all.

Other members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) who attended the September 25 meeting at State House include Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Bishop John Oballa and KCCB Secretary General, Fr. Daniel Rono.