CALL FOR CALM
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”
Proverbs 16:9.
We the Catholic Bishops in Kenya wish to take this opportunity to thank Kenyans for having turned out in large numbers on 4th March, 2013 and exercised their sovereign right to elect their leaders in a peaceful manner. These were historic elections which were waited for with much anticipation and took place at a critical moment in the country’s history.
As Kenya waits for the final polls results of various electoral positions and in particular the presidential results, we should recall the remarkable progress made over the last few years.
After one of the darkest episodes in the country’s recent history, following the 2007 elections, Kenya is once again on a positive path.
Kenyans are working to heal deep wounds of division, by building national cohesion and unity, and to build an institutional framework to safeguard their nation’s future.
As Catholic Bishops in Kenya we wish to state as follows in regard to the on going process:
1.We are saddened by the killings of patriotic Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty. We condemn the act and take this opportunity to send our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and the government for this uncertain and unfortunate loss of lives. We urge the government to ensure that the culprits of this criminal act are brought to book as soon as possible. We thank the Inspector General and all the security enforcement Officers for maintaining peace and order so far and we urge them not to relent.
2.We appeal to Kenyans to remain calm as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission finalises the poll results of various electoral positions in the country and in particular, the presidential results;
3.We thank all the political aspirants who have so far conceded defeat and upheld peace after the poll results in various Constituencies and Counties. On the same note, we urge other political aspirants to emulate the example that has already been set by these great states men/women by conceding defeat and embracing peace. In case any aspirant is aggrieved, to seek legal redress and ask their supporters to be peaceful.
4.We urge Kenyans to meanwhile resume their normal work and continue building the Nation. It is time for schools to receive back the students/children for normal learning. This is also an appeal to all those in the public transport sector to resume the facilitation of people to work.
5.We congratulate Kenyans for their peaceful conduct before, during the elections and even now as we await for the release of final poll results of various electoral positions. We appeal to you to remain peaceful even after the release of the results. We also appeal to yu to continue praying for the successful completion of the process.
In conclusion, we remind all Kenyans that the current phase of the electoral process in the hands of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya is as much a defining point in the process as the Election Day. The overall credibility and transparency of the general elections can be assessed after the tallying, the announcement of the results and any possible petitions are dealt with, in accordance with the laws of Kenya.
We once again appeal to all Kenyans to continue maintaining peace and respect for human life and to strictly observe the rule of law.
“...May we dwell in unity
Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders…” (National Anthem)
Signed for and
on behalf of all Catholic Bishops in Kenya
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo
Bishop of Homabay
Vice Chairman
Kenya Episcopal Conference
