Be Inclusive in State Appointments, Address “real issues”: Bishops in Kenya to New Leaders

“As we thank God for the peace and harmony that spread throughout these important activities,” they said in reference to the general elections that involved six elective positions, and add, “At the same time, we ask Him to give us courage, wisdom and love to forge ahead with the new leadership.”

The Kenyan electorate voted for their President, Governors, Senators, Women representatives, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) on August 9. 

On August 15, the chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati, declared Dr. William Ruto, the winner of the tight Presidential election with 50.49% of the valid votes, against his main challenger, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s 48.85%.

A week later, Mr. Odinga rejected the declared presidential results and leading one the political coalitions in the August 9 general elections, Azimio La Umoja, filed a petition at Kenya’s Supreme Court in view of overturning Dr. Ruto’s victory.

Eight other petitions were filed at the Nairobi-based court, all citing illegalities and irregularities in the Presidential election results, and praying that the court overturns the win of Dr. Ruto who had served as the country Deputy President since 2013.

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On September 5, the seven-member court delivered their verdict in which they “upheld unanimously” the victory of Dr. Ruto, dismissing all the set of petitions. 

He was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth President on September 13. Two weeks later, on September 27, President Ruto unveiled his new Cabinet that members of Parliament have to vet and approve.

In their collective message read out on October 1 during the NPD, Catholic Bishops in Kenya recognized their “duty as a Church to pray for our civil leaders”, adding, “that is partly why we are here, so that they may remain faithful and listen to advice and to our faithful prophetic role.”

They prayed for unity, cohesion and reconciliation in the East African nation as expressed in the country’s National Anthem.

“During the just ended electioneering period, we have at one time or another injured each other because of our diverse political positions. Our lord in this village of Mary is asking us to see each other as brothers and sisters,” KCCB members said.

They challenged the newly elected leaders to “fight the cancer of corruption”, which they said is one of the “key problems in our country, Kenya.”

The Catholic Church leaders further reflected on the ongoing preparations for the Synod on Synodality, recalling what has been accomplished in the country. 

As a conference of Bishops, they said, “We have just concluded a national phase of our Synod. As we are told in the preparatory document of the objective of the Synod, the process is not just to produce documents but to plant dreams drawn forth from prophecies and visions and allow hope to flourish.”

“To inspire trust and bind our wounds because possibly we have hurt each other, it is the spirit of Synodality that will appeal the people of Kenya to embrace to journey together, to listen, to discern and above all to be open to the Holy Spirit,” KCCB members said in their collective statement read out on October 1.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.