Kenya: Bishops denounce influx of arms ahead of elections

(Vatican Radio) The Bishops of Kenya are calling on authorities and civil society to ensure that the general elections scheduled for March 2013 are not postponed under any pretext.

In a statement issued at the end of their plenary assembly, the bishops say they are perplexed and dismayed by the rising insecurity and terrorist attacks especially targeted at innocent Christians in their places of worship.

They also denounce a climate of impunity in bringing those responsible to justice and the alarming influx of guns and other dangerous weapons into the country.


Press statement by the Catholic Bishops in Kenya, Bungoma, November 8, 2012

Preamble,
Our dear Christians, fellow Kenyans and all people of goodwill, we, the Catholic Bishops in Kenya, meeting in St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre in Kabula, Bungoma, at the beginning of the Year of Faith 2012/13, greet you in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ who in this moment calls on us to conversion, to renew ourselves, get closer to Him and lead a Christian life as we engage with the world.

As the country moves towards the first General Elections under the new constitution, we are deeply disturbed by the state of the nation as regards several pertinent issues.

Registration of Voters, Civic Education and Election Preparedness
While we are glad that that Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits have been delivered, we would like that a clear date be set for the voter registration in order to give ample time for all to register.

Kenyans need to be assured that the elections will take place on March 4, 2013 as promised, and we want a reassurance that they will not be postponed under any pretext. We are hopeful that everything is being done to meet the deadline. It is the duty of all Kenyans to register to vote. We strongly encourage and urge all Kenyans to take up their constitutional responsibility and register as voters.

Integrity of Leadership
The struggle for the second liberation of this country which the church fought bravely, risks being defeated unless the constitutional Chapter of Integrity and Leadership is followed and implemented. Integrity means more than just natural goodness, but true uprightness, and ethical behaviour in the actions of those seeking elective office.

In particular we make a strong appeal to all Kenyans to examine and assess all candidates seeking elective positions, on their integrity. We should not expect any good leadership from those who have compromised their integrity. The following people therefore do not qualify for political office for lack of integrity:

• Persons who have no respect for God

• Persons who do not follow and respect the rule of law, or publicly urge citizens to dismiss the rule of law

• Persons convicted for corruption and related offences, due to their criminal and dishonest background

• Persons who preach or induce others to violence and hatred, by word or action

• Persons who have been involved in drug trafficking and peddling

• Persons who are involved in illegal and illicit business

• Persons who have used others or paid others to commit crime

• Persons who keep changing their position on important national issues.



Insecurity, Crime and Impunity
As the Catholic Church, we are perplexed and dismayed by the rising insecurity and terrorist attacks especially targeted at innocent Christians in their places of worship.

More disturbing is the fact that the more police promise to investigate the matters, the more attacks we experience, causing us to wonder; for how long will our people suffer? Is it suddenly dangerous to be a Christian in this country? Why have the perpetrators not been brought to book? We want the security of every Kenyan reassured.

The influx of guns and other dangerous weapons into the country is very alarming. We appreciate the efforts of the security forces, and realize several have lost their lives in the efforts of restoring order. We pray for them. On the other hand there seems to be reluctance and lack of vigilance in some security personnel causing illegal arms to increase and criminal elements to operate freely in our country.

We also appeal to the courts to be independent of political manipulations, and be seen to be independent especially in this crucial moment.

The talk of a police go-slow is shocking and very dangerous. We don’t need to remind those responsible of what will happen if the police were left to go on strike. Why must everybody have to go on strike to get their rights?

While the demand for better working conditions and remuneration may be justified, we are afraid this trend of different groups demanding pay-hikes which the government finally awards indiscriminately is dangerous. We warn that these will raise taxes, exert undue pressure on poor Kenyans, by raising the prices of basic commodities.

Regional Groupings and Political Alliances
Dear Kenyans, we have noticed the excitement and anxiety caused by ongoing political alliances and coalition building. While it is a sign of our country’s baby steps towards a maturing democracy, we are disturbed that most of these alliances are being done on tribal arithmetic.

We remind you of our message to you last April 2012 that, "while bringing people together is always good, if the intention is other than improving Kenyans’ quality of life, then we express our reservations. We urge our leaders to stop forming groups which will isolate particular communities from the rest of the country." (Letter of Catholic Bishops, April 2012)

Our Message to the Youth
With the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, we wish to remind you, our young people that you are also rich in qualities, energies, dreams and hopes not only for yourselves, but also for others, for the Church and for the world.

Our dear young people, we speak to you as your spiritual fathers. Let not your lives be driven by short term desires which may lead to self-destruction.

God has given you an opportunity to grow in a beautiful country and see the consequences of many human mistakes. Don’t follow the way of evil, don’t allow yourselves to be used by selfish individuals against your fellow citizens.

Our Lord Jesus reminds us; “You know the commandments: ''Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother." (Mark 10: 19). Live this and you will become young people of integrity.

Conclusion
Dear Kenyans and people of good will, speaking to you as the Catholic Bishops in Kenya at this moment when the country is approaching the General Election, we urge you all to work towards achieving a peaceful election. Let us all manifest our belief in God, our faith, in our daily decisions and particularly in this moment of General Elections, so that we can have a smooth transition and a prosperous God fearing Kenya.