His Imminence John Cardinal Njue addressing members of
press
25th June 2014, Nairobi
UNITY
OF THE NATION IS PARAMOUNT
"That they all may be one"
(John17, 21)
We the Kenya Conference of
Catholic bishops share the great concern of
all Kenyans at the situation we find ourselves in our
country, of the heightened state of insecurity that we
have witnessed in the recent attacks and killings in Mpeketoni, Kibaoni area
and the continuing attacks in other parts of Kenya
like Baringo, Wajir,
West Pokot, Turkana, El Wak and Mandera. We
pray for the victims and express our heartfelt condolences sympathy to the bereaved and affected families.
This situation has
been aggravated further by the rising political temperatures on both sides of
the political divide, which are tending towards negative ethnicity. For this
reason we strongly urge that this is not the right moment for national
political rallies, called to agitate the people on both sides of the political
divide.
We the Catholic
bishops, compelled by our desire for peace for
our Nation, fervently ask the political leaders of our Country, both of the
government and the opposition, to put aside their personal and party interests,
in order to address critical issues which are affecting our Country. These we
expect should be addressed within the constitutional framework and the
established institutions: Parliament, National
Executive, Judiciary
and Independent Tribunals
(Cf. Constitution of Kenya, Article 1). This is the
time to show true leadership and statesmanship.
The great flaw in the security system in our Country has been evidenced in these recent incidents.
We attribute this to the inherent corruption within the system. We would
like to see a thorough reform of the entire security system. The great
number of lives lost in these last months and property destroyed
is unacceptable and regrettable in a God fearing country.
The citizens of this country expect from the State,
protection and security in every corner of our country. We bishops expect no
less.
We realize that part of the state of anxiety, is
caused by poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. We urge the political class in the
National and County levels, to stop misusing and manipulating the poor
and the youth for political selfish ends, but rather seek to address their
problems through constructive guidance and programs
for economic growth.
The solutions of this crisis must be found by the
citizens of this country in keeping with the avenues
provided by the Constitution. We must resist
external interference be it ideological, political or economical.
We appeal to the conscience of every
Kenyan, to be patriotic and loyal to this Nation, and not to give space in their
hearts for hatred and lawlessness but rather to practise love of the neighbour,
repentance, asking for forgiveness and seeking reconciliation.
Let us entrust ourselves and our Nation to
almighty God.
Signed by:
………………………………………………………
HIS EMINENCE JOHN CARDINAL NJUE
CHAIRMAN
KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
1.
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo Homabay
2.
Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth Kisumu
3.
Most Rev. Peter Kairo Nyeri
4.
Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti Kakamega
5.
Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin Garissa
6.
Rt. Rev. Cornelius Arap Korir Eldoret
7.
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa Kisii
8.
Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich Military Ordinariate
9.
Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley Kitale
10.
Rt. Rev. Norman Kingoo Wambua Bungoma
11.
Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara (IMC) Marsabit
12.
Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a – Aux.
Bishop Nairobi
13.
Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC Isiolo Vicariate
14.
Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante Mararal
15.
Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi Meru
16.
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo Kericho
17.
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde Machakos
18.
Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria Kitui
19.
Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina Murang’a
20.
Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru Embu
21.
Rt. Rev. Maurice M. Makumba Nakuru
22.
Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich Lodwar
23.
Rt. Rev. Emanuel Barbara
Malindi
Apostolic
Administrator Mombasa
24.
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mbatia Nyahururu
25.
Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa Ngong
26.
Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro – Co-adjutor
Bishop Garissa
