The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) during a press conference held at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for national unity and decisive leadership. During a recent two-day meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru, the NCCK’s Executive Committee discussed Kenya’s future, stressing that the country’s identity and ethos for the next fifty years are being shaped now.
“We are at a pivotal moment where the future of Kenya is being shaped,” the NCCK stated. The council stressed the importance of every Kenyan contributing to this crucial transformation.
In a meeting with President William Ruto, the NCCK voiced concerns about the government’s disregard for public opinion on the Finance Bill 2024 and recent police brutality during demonstrations. “The President committed to withdrawing the Bill, ceasing police brutality, and not deploying the military,” the council reported.
Kenya’s demographics were a key point of discussion, with those under 35 years old making up 79% of the population. “The youth have the biggest stake in the nation’s future,” the NCCK emphasized. They warned that if issues related to education, life skills, and employment are not addressed, the country risks descending into social chaos.
To empower the youth, the NCCK committed to several initiatives. “We will establish centers of excellence for the youth to acquire skills and create dignified livelihoods,” they announced. Each member church will develop youth-led programs based on the principle of “nothing for the youth without the youth.”
The NCCK also plans to organize multisectoral economic forums at local levels, leading to a national economic conference. “Kenyans will analyze the current economic state, identify problems, and find solutions for a better future,” the council explained. They also promised to increase resources for youth programs and enhance capacity building for citizen participation and public accountability.
Addressing the recent violence, the NCCK condemned the killing of peaceful demonstrators. “The killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police is totally unacceptable,” they asserted. The council called for an end to police and military interference in peaceful protests and demanded the immediate release of those unlawfully detained.
The NCCK criticized Parliament for passing the Finance Bill 2024 against public will. “By this action, Parliament erased its legitimacy in the eyes of the voters,” they stated. They urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special session to repeal the Bill.
In a show of solidarity with the youth, the NCCK announced a seven-day mourning period to honor those who died while exercising their right to participate in national governance. “The days of mourning will commence tomorrow and culminate in memorial services on Sunday, July 7, 2024,” they declared.
Finally, the council urged the government to complete the process of appointing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners. “Kenyans in constituencies and wards unable to hold by-elections are suffering injustice,” they pointed out, stressing the need for a timely review of electoral boundaries.
In conclusion, the NCCK thanked Kenyans, especially the youth, for their engagement in electoral and governance matters. “This is essential in shaping the future of our nation,” they affirmed. The council called on all citizens to contribute to building the nation envisioned in the national anthem, aspiring for unity, peace, liberty, and prosperity.
