The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged the opposition in the country to be extra vigilant, visible and vocal so as to provide checks and balances to the government.
NCCK noted that the opposition is the citizens' watchdog and hence should be always alert, noting that democracy safeguards alternative voices and opinions.
The church's umbrella body through its General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui hailed last Wednesday's opposition meeting held at Kamukunji grounds and graced by the Azimio la Umoja leaders, saying that the same was a step in the right direction.
"There's a need to keep the government of the day on its toes so that it delivers services to Wanjiku. However, the criticism ought to be progressive and not retrogressive, " he said.
Kinyanjui who was addressing the media at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru on Thursday, December 8, 2022, urged elected leaders not to use their lucrative positions to plunder public resources so as to enrich themselves.
He stressed that leaders should uphold integrity and serve the electorate with equity, justice and fairness.
Rev. Kinyanjui also called upon elected leaders to ensure they complete all the projects initiated by the previous administration before starting new ones.
"They should remember that God will call them to account for the responsibility laid upon them.
Failure to complete old projects is a waste of public resources," he said.
GMO
NCCK at the same time urged the government to suspend the now controversial importation of Genetically Modified organisms (GMOs) until there are adequate public consultations across the country.
"We call to President William Ruto's attention on the current discourse regarding GMOs in which Kenyans have expressed different opinions and petition him to promote wholesome public participation on matters affecting Kenyans", Kinyanjui noted.
NCCK at the same time called for fairness and equity in the distribution of national resources and government appointments to reflect the face of Kenya.
"Your excellency the President of Kenya, it should dawn on you that the stability and prosperity of the country will always depend on the extent to which justice, fairness and inclusion are exercised," Kinyanjui emphasized.
On the emerging transition at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), NCCK urged the president to ensure that the appointment of the selection committee and the selection process itself are consultative, inclusive and protect the independence of the electoral body.
NCCK also urged Kenyans to commit to participating in governance and decision-making processes at all levels of government as provided for in the 2010 constitution.
