“We are very much disturbed”: Kenya’s Catholic Bishops on Country’s Dialogue Process

In the six-page statement, Catholic Bishops in Kenya express their disapproval of “destructive demonstrations” and advocate for dialogue, which they say is “the only civil way” to resolve Kenya’s socio-political challenges.

“We encourage all parties and citizens to refrain from destructive demonstrations and instead commit themselves to the path of dialogue as the only civil way of resolving political and social issues affecting our country in order to have a reconciled and inclusive nation,” they say.

Making reference to what Reuters has described as “a bloody power struggle” in Sudan, KCCB member warn Kenyan political leaders against a standoff and turning their backs to constructive dialogue.

To resolve challenges in Kenya, which the Catholic Bishops in the country attribute to “unresolved historical injustices and mismanagement of public resources,” they say that “Kenyans require a peaceful environment free of confrontations and street demonstrations.”

“We urge all our leaders to use non-violent means in resolving conflicts. We in particular appeal to them to embrace our national values enshrined in the Constitution instead of allowing themselves to be driven by personal and selfish political interests,” they say, reiterating their Easter Message in which they cautioned Kenyan political leaders against “seeking personal benefits”.

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The Catholic Church leaders urge Kenyan politicians to “re-evaluate their value system and guided by their conscience, endeavor to do what is right for all Kenyans.”

In their collective statement following days of meeting in Nairobi, the Catholic Bishops also commiserate with Kenyans concerning the high cost of living, and call upon the government “to give tax relief”.

“We appeal to the Government to give tax relief on basic items as a way of cushioning the poor,” KCCB members say in their April 20 statement.

“Dear Kenyans, we are aware that most of us are struggling with many challenges but we must not lose hope,” they say, and continue, “As a nation, we have come from far to be where we are, so let us celebrate whatever little steps we have made together.”

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