Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) convened its statutory meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, over the past two days. The meeting focused on Kenya’s current critical juncture in redefining and shaping its identity, ethos, and future. Recognizing the profound importance of this moment, the NCCK calls upon all Kenyans to contribute to this national effort.
Meeting with President William Ruto
The NCCK confirms that we met with His Excellency President William Ruto to address our concerns regarding the Finance Bill 2024 and police brutality during recent demonstrations. The President committed to withdrawing the bill, ending police brutality against demonstrators, and ensuring the military is not deployed. We have shared our memorandum presented to the President with the Kenyan public.
Key Resolutions from the NCCK
1. Focus on Youth Empowerment
Kenya’s population is predominantly youthful, with 79% under 35 years old. This demographic has the greatest stake in the nation’s present and future. However, youth face significant deprivation in education, life skills, and employment. Addressing this is crucial to preventing social chaos.
NCCK Commitments:
- Establish centers of excellence for youth to acquire skills and opportunities for dignified livelihoods and resilient communities.
- Develop youth-led, youth-owned, and youth-focused programs in each member church, adhering to the principle of “nothing for the youth without the youth.”
- Organize local multisectoral economic forums culminating in a national economic conference to analyze and address Kenya’s economic challenges.
- Enhance budgets and programs to increase resources for youth initiatives within churches.
- Continue capacity building for youth and church members to strengthen public accountability and citizen participation.
2. Listening to the People
Political leadership must honor the will of the people to shape Kenya’s future effectively. The NCCK mourns the deaths of Kenyans killed by police during demonstrations and condemns these unnecessary killings. We offer condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the injured.
Demands:
- An end to the killing of peaceful demonstrators by police.
- A special session of Parliament to respond to the President’s memorandum and repeal the Finance Bill 2024.
3. End Police and Military Interference
The NCCK supports the right of Kenyan youth to peaceful picketing and demands the cessation of police and military interference. The abduction and clandestine arrests of youth must stop, and those arrested during demonstrations must be unconditionally released.
Action Plan:
- Organize seven days of mourning to honor the young heroes who died while exercising their right to participate in governance. This period will start tomorrow, Friday, June 28, and end with memorial services on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
4. Electoral Commission Reform
To secure Kenya’s electoral future, we urge President William Ruto and stakeholders to expedite the appointment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners. Delayed by-elections and boundary reviews must be completed promptly to ensure justice for all Kenyans.
Conclusion
We thank all Kenyans, especially the youth, for their commitment to electoral and governance matters. Let us all play our part in building the nation we aspire to, as envisioned in our National Anthem:
Oh God of all creation, bless this our land and nation,
Justice be our shield and defender.
May we dwell in unity, peace, and liberty,
Plenty be found within our borders.
