Curb “staggering wastage”: Religious Leaders in Kenya to County, National Governments

They also criticize the Kenyan government for lacking in transparency on the way forward, and urge clear communication.

“The government needs to communicate clearly to Kenyans the pathway out of the economic crisis the nation is experiencing,” IRCK members say.

Kenya is experiencing political instability as the opposition side under the Azimio One Kenya Coalition has been organizing countrywide anti-government demonstrations with the aim of  forcing President William Ruto-led government to lower the cost of living among other demands.

The second phase of the demonstrations which started on Tuesday, May 2 after the failure of bipartisan talks that the opposition considered insincere was suspended Wednesday, May 3 after the government agreed to revise the bipartisan talks seven-member team.

In their May 3 press statement, IRCK members say that they find it regrettable that the “prevailing political instability is being driven by the divergent goals of the leading formations.”

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The faith-based leaders say that the ongoing disagreements between the government and the opposition concerning the August 2022 general elections that had Kenya’s Supreme Court uphold President Ruto’s victory is subjecting Kenyans to much suffering.

“Kenyans have expressed doubt on the willingness of the political actors to resolve the prevailing political instability through bi-partisan talks as earlier envisaged,” the religious leaders say.

They add, “Despite this, it is extremely important that we as a nation attain political stability to avert further suffering of the people and to create an environment for economic and social development.”

The religious leaders urge “all Kenyans, especially the political leadership, to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving disputes.”

They call upon President Ruto and the opposition leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, “to carefully measure their words and actions so as to promote unity and peace in the nation rather than tension and divisions.”

IRCK members go on to urge Kenyans to be vigilant and to shun any form of incitement promoted by the political leaders whom they say seek to advance their own selfish interest.

They further urge Kenyans to “deliberately engage all public participation forums and opportunities, taking every chance to influence policy and decision-making process.”

“We should not leave the destiny of our families in the hands of politicians alone, and should instead adopt the mantra of ‘Nothing for us without us’”, Kenya’s religious leaders say.

They say that peace is vital in nation-building and urge Kenyans “to sustain the commitment and determination to remain peaceful and calm despite the challenges and provocations.”

IRCK members call upon citizens of the East African nation to strive “to make a contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of our nation, just as we pray in the National Anthem.”

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.