THE National Council of Churches of Kenya is calling on President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to publicly announce the election date and end the country's anxiety and speculations. The group is now asking the two principals to be guided by the recent High Court ruling on the dates and pave way for preparations on the elections which are anticipated to be rigorous due to the numerous elective posts that were created in the new constitution.
Speaking in Nairobi yesterday, the Anglican Church head, Eliud Wabukala said there is need for voter and civic education across the country prior to the election. “Without a definite election date, Kenyans remain anxious and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission cannot sufficiently plan for the polls,” Wabukala said.
He reiterated the church's commitment to abide by any date that the two principals will settle on saying they respect and uphold the rule of law. Wabukala called on Treasury to avail funds for voters recruitment drive early saying the process is essential as it will create an enabling environment during the electioneering period and foster peaceful relations.
In a strongly worded address to the public, Wabukala appealed to Kenyans to avoid emotions and remain calm while debating on the hotly contested electoral boundaries review. “We call on Parliament to give attention to the concerns expressed and ensure that justice is delivered to all,” he said. The church has in the past been accused of taking a back seat while tension continues to build up across the country, a claim NCCK vehemently denied yesterday.
Wabukala said the church fraternity is in the process of organising a national prayer day where it will be seeking divine intervention on challenges bedeviling the state as well as the hard task of implementing the new constitution. “We shall congregate and take time on this day to pray for our nation,” he said and urged Kenyans to seek for forgiveness and unite. He lashed out at the recent prayer-turned political rallies that have been doing rounds and urged the public to refrain from actions that he said may be 'construed to imply politicisation of the gospel and prayers'.
