President William Ruto in a meeting with religious leaders from NCCK addressing national issues & unity of country at State House on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has expressed grave concern over the nation’s deteriorating social and security conditions in light of ongoing discussions about the Finance Bill 2024 and the 2024/2025 National Budget Estimates. During a meeting with President William Ruto on June 26, 2024, the NCCK outlined several key recommendations aimed at addressing these issues and restoring stability.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has expressed grave concern over the nation’s deteriorating social and security conditions in light of ongoing discussions about the Finance Bill 2024 and the 2024/2025 National Budget Estimates. During a meeting with President William Ruto on June 26, 2024, the NCCK outlined several key recommendations aimed at addressing these issues and restoring stability.
“The National Council of Churches of Kenya is deeply concerned about the deteriorating social and security state of the nation,” stated the NCCK. The council highlighted that Kenyans have been actively discussing the Finance Bill 2024, with widespread calls for its rejection. “The prevailing recommendation we have received in all the counties was for the Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2024,” they added.
Over the past two weeks, peaceful protests, particularly by the youth, have been witnessed across the country. However, the NCCK expressed shock and sadness over the recent violence and deaths resulting from these demonstrations. “We are greatly saddened and shocked by the deaths and violence witnessed yesterday,” the council noted.
The NCCK urged President Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 and send it back to Parliament for revision. “We urge you to hear the cries and pleas of Kenyans and withdraw the Finance Bill 2024. Do not sign it into law,” they implored. They emphasized the need for a Finance Act and National Budget that reflect the country’s fiscal realities and align with the people’s wishes.
The council criticized Parliament for ignoring public opinion by passing the bill, calling it “heartless, insensitive, and disdainful.” They encouraged the government to listen to the people to inspire hope, productivity, and dignity. “We encourage your government to listen to the people and align the Finance Bill to the will of the people,” the NCCK advised.
In response to the recent violence, the NCCK made a strong appeal for an end to police brutality and other human rights abuses. “The killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police is totally unacceptable,” the council asserted. They urged President Ruto to instruct the police to cease killing and harming demonstrators and to stop abductions and forced disappearances of dissenting voices.
Furthermore, the NCCK called for the immediate release of all individuals who have been unlawfully detained and for the rescission of the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces within the country. “The country is not in an insurrection or civil war, and deployment of the military only goes to militarize civilian affairs,” they argued.
The NCCK also appealed to President Ruto to unite the nation and provide comfort to those affected by the violence. “We appeal to you to publicly recognize and condole with the hundreds of Kenyans who are mourning the deaths of their loved ones,” they said. They recommended that the government waive medical costs for those injured by the police.
To foster national unity and progress, the NCCK proposed the convening of a National Economic and Social Conference. This conference would bring together stakeholders from all sectors and counties to determine the economic destiny of Kenya. “We strongly recommend that you convene a National Economic and Social Conference,” the council concluded.
