Kenyan Christians release ecumenical statement in wake of constitutional referendum

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) statement on theconstitutional referendum, which was issued at the Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru.


KNOW THE TIMES AND SEASONS


Preamble

The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya has met here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, to prayerfully reflect on the national reform process with specific focus on the just concluded referendum.

We especially noted the words of Ecclesiastes 3:18: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Reflecting on this scripture, we as NCCK wish to share the following message with Kenyans:

1. A time to speak

As we stated during our meeting in March, our position remains that the constitution adopted in Kenya should be one that promotes justice, equity and peace. We pointed out the issues that needed to be amended in the proposed constitution, expecting that they would be revised before the referendum. This was not done. While we reiterate that these cardinal issues are still outstanding, we recognize that the results of the referendum by and large reflect the wish of Kenyans. The contentious issues nonetheless should still be resolved. We trust that the government leadership will fulfill the promises they made during the referendum campaigns that the contentious issues were acknowledged and would be resolved after the referendum. We as NCCK undertake to contribute fully to all the efforts made to resolve these issues using the mechanisms provided for in the new constitution.

2. A time to heal

We thank and congratulate all Kenyans for peacefully exercising their democratic right when they voted during the referendum. It is a sign of democratic maturity, and goes to show that Kenyans, without instigation, can vote and live in peace thereafter. We urge Kenyans to forever resist the temptation to use violence to express their positions during political contests and processes.

We adopt and support the statement issued by Kenya Christian Church Leaders on 5th August 2010, and note that comprehensive reports from our observers and agents are being compiled. These reports will be shared with Kenyans and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission to point out loopholes that need to be sealed in order to ensure that elections and referenda in Kenya are conducted justly and satisfactorily. In the meantime, we urge the protagonists at the referendum, including the church, to shift from the campaign mode and engage fully in efforts to heal the wounds, reconcile all Kenyans and consolidate the gains brought about by the new constitution.

3. A time to build

The National Council of Churches of Kenya recognizes that Kenyans now have a new constitution that is awaiting implementation. We remind all that the constitution is the foundation upon which the life and character of the nation is founded. As Kenyans seek to build the nation defined in the new constitution, we urge all to embrace and enculture justice, equity, peace and prosperity.

To avoid future clamours for an overhaul of our national framework, we appeal for inclusion, sensitivity and total justice in the implementation of the new constitution as well as the development of the attendant legislation.

For this reason, we urge that the concerns of the 2.7 million Kenyans who voted against the now adopted constitution be addressed so that they can unreservedly embrace the emerging constitutional dispensation.

4. A time to teach

We recognize that in the period before the referendum, efforts towards civic education were obfuscated by campaign innuendos. It is of absolute importance that structures for truthful civic education be put in place so that Kenyans understand their rights and obligations under the new constitution. On our part, the NCCK will remain committed to educating Kenyans through our membership structures on this. The Council has indeed put in place mechanisms to empower all its structures for effective participation in the implementation of the new constitution. On its part, the Executive Committee has established a sub-committee that will spearhead the NCCK engagement in the implementation of the new constitution.

5. A time to gather

The new constitution will bind all Kenyans, no matter the way they voted during the referendum. We therefore call upon the government to put in place inclusive implementation organs and processes. Excluding any section of Kenyans from the implementation organs and processes will only breed resentment and undermine the national goodwill needed for successful implementation of the constitution.

We thus encourage all Kenyans to take a keen interest in and actively participate in the generation of just legislation that will be passed by Parliament to give effect to the new constitution.

6. Conclusion

We invite all Kenyans to acknowledge that the referendum is over. The campaign season was valid and legitimate but that season is now over. The season we have entered into is a season for channeling national energies towards civic education on the new constitution, implementation and operationalisation of the provisions it contains. The amendment of the contentious issues will and should be part of the implementation process.

Let us therefore work together to ensure that that the dreams and aspirations that were the reason for the two decade struggle for a new constitution are realized to the full in this new dispensation. We call upon all Kenyans to embrace peace and respect the rule of law at all times.

On our part as Christians, we reiterate our total commitment to our prophetic role in the national life of our country.

And may the words of our National Anthem guide all of us always:

O God of all Creation

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender

May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty

Plenty be found within our borders.

Signed on August 11, 2010 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru by Rev Dr Charles Kibicho, Chairman and Rev Canon Peter Karanja, General Secretary.