Church urges Ruto to appoint persons of integrity to state offices

The National Council of Churches of Kenya has told President William Ruto to appoint state officers without integrity issues.

Nyanza regional NCCK chairman Bishop David Kodia said Ruto should be sensitive to Kenyans when making appointments in the public offices.

Kodia said even though the appointments or nominations to any key positions are the prerogatives of the President, he has to listen to the concerns of Kenyans.

“The president has the right to appoint anyone he can work with. But he is not going to pay these people from his pocket but by the public fund,” Kodia said.

Bishop Kodia while addressing a media conference at the NCCK regional headquarters in Kisumu said integrity comes first before everything else.

“Our proposal is that no one should be given any state appointment if that person has questionable character. That is our position,” he said.

Kodia, who is the ACK Bondo Diocese bishop, said as the people who value Chapter Six of the Constitution and understand its tenancy,it is an insult to us in the first place.

“Even to imagine appointing someone who still has a murder case left unresolved leave alone rape cases and graft cases is unimaginable,” he said.

Ruto, he said, should be sensitive enough to understand the feelings of Kenyans even if he has his own better ways of rewarding his people.

“There is a way he can do it. He controls everything but giving someone a state appointment such as a Cabinet Secretary with integrity issues and expecting there will be no eyebrows raised is an insult,” Kodia said.

The cleric added that such appointments are an abuse of power.

“Even for the National Assembly vetting committee to allow vetting and approval of such people is wrong,” Kodia said.

He pointed out that Kenyans are watching to see whether the vetting of the CS nominees was an exercise in futility.

“We are waiting and let's give the Moses Wetang'ula-led-committee time,” Kodia said.

He also defended the church in working closely with Ruto.

“The church cannot run away from relating with the state because we serve the same people and country. But we have a clear boundary of roles which we have to play,” Kodia said.

The bishop said the church supports the state and prays for the President, Kenyans and the unity of the country.

“But that does not mean to say that we can stop others from going to visit the President. They have their own rights. We also have our own way of doing things as NCCK," he said.

The chairman said they are united as ecumenical partners from the Nyanza region to approach issues collectively.

“When you go alone people start to imagine things that have been happening behind the scenes," he said.

Kodia noted that some politicians would like to see the church divided but NCCK speaks in one voice.

“There is nothing wrong if someone goes to see the President.  The point is what is the motive behind it, is it for the public good or personal interest? That is what will make a difference,” he said.

Kodia urged the government to stop politics and embark on their development agenda as prescribed in its manifesto.

“We encourage leaders to put aside their differences and work with the government of the day to improve the economy and livelihoods,” he said.

“We have noted how nepotism and favouritism in the appointments and tender opportunities and inequitable distribution of resources and development projects across the country has divided our people that needs to change,” Kodia said.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)