The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEMM) leaders during a Press briefing held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Kenya’s top religious leaders have issued a strong call for justice reforms, urging the government to address key issues threatening national governance. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) gathered at Ufungamano House in Nairobi to voice their concerns. They demanded immediate action from the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to ensure justice is served to all citizens.
In a statement following the meeting, the religious leaders stressed that justice is the bedrock of the nation’s stability. They declared that peace, unity, and liberty cannot be achieved without upholding justice. “We cannot expect peace and unity in Kenya if justice continues to be delayed or denied,” they warned, calling for swift resolution of critical national matters.
Among the key demands was the urgent conclusion of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection process. The leaders called on Parliament to expedite the appointment of IEBC commissioners, emphasizing that delays in the process hinder the electoral body’s ability to serve the nation effectively. “Justice must be delivered now. We urge the Speaker of the National Assembly to finalize the appointment process immediately,” the statement read.
The leaders further raised alarms about contracts awarded to Adani-related companies, particularly in sectors like health, electricity transmission, and airport management. They argued that these companies have not invested in Kenya, instead acting as fronts for local officials. Citing examples from India, Australia, and Bangladesh, where countries are now regretting their partnerships with Adani companies, they urged the government to cancel these contracts. “We cannot let Kenya follow the same path. Our government must act in the interest of the people,” they stated.
In an unprecedented move, the religious leaders also demanded that Parliament withdraw several controversial bills. These include nine agriculture-related bills and the proposed Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to extend elected leaders’ terms from five to seven years. The leaders criticized the bills as being out of touch with the needs of ordinary Kenyans and called for their immediate withdrawal. “If Parliament cannot serve the people of Kenya, then it is time for the representatives to step down,” they declared.
The group also touched on the new university funding model and healthcare reforms. They called for a suspension of the new university funding system, advocating for further consultations to ensure fairness for all students. Similarly, they demanded that the government revert to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and suspend new social health laws until a seamless transition can be assured. “These reforms must serve justice for all Kenyans, especially the most vulnerable,” the leaders urged.
One of the most pressing issues addressed was the impeachment process of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The religious leaders stressed that this is a pivotal moment in the country’s history, urging the Senate to ensure that justice is done and that the process is transparent. They also called on President William Ruto to publicly address the impeachment, emphasizing that Kenyans deserve to know his stance on this national issue.
As the country waits for the outcome of these critical events, the religious leaders concluded their statement with a call for peace. They appealed to all Kenyans to remain calm and avoid violence, regardless of the outcome of the impeachment. “Justice must prevail, but peace must remain our foundation,” they said, reminding the public that stability cannot be achieved through unrest.
