Kenyan clerics say security operation should also target armed robbers, poachers among others

Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops John Cardinal Njue (left), Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Dr Eliud Wabukala (centre) and PCEA Moderator David Riitho during a press conference at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi.  [PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

By LONAH KIBET

NAIROBI, KENYA: Religious leaders from mainstream churches have expressed concern over the rising insecurity but commended the government for the ongoing crackdown on illegal aliens and criminals.

They pointed out that the exercise should be expanded to include those involved in armed robbery, cattle rustling, poaching, rape, kidnappings and petty crimes.

The leaders who included the heads of the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) blamed the spiraling insecurity on corruption within the Government.

They also blamed laxity on some security personnel whom they accused of allowing illicit guns and other dangerous weapons to enter the country.

LACK OF VIGILANCE

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“We appreciate the efforts of the security forces and realise several have lost their lives in the efforts of restoring order. However, there seems to be reluctance and lack of vigilance among some security personnel causing illegal arms to increase and criminal elements to operate freely in our country,” added Head of the Catholic Church in Kenya John Cardinal Njue.

Njue who spoke on behalf of the other church leaders said efforts should be exerted in fighting corruption, illegal guns and immigrants and the direct link between rising poverty, unemployment and increase in crime, which all have a part to play in the rising insecurity situation.

“We are aware that behind every illegal immigrant stands a corrupt or negligent government official and behind every illegal firearm, there is a tale of corruption and negligence. It is clear that the high number of unemployed youth is fertile ground for terror groups to recruit,” he pointed out.

While calling on the President and the relevant government agencies to intensify their ongoing efforts and ensure peace and safety to its citizens, he said human rights should also be protected and that no tribe or religion should be discriminated in the process.

“The dignity of life should at all times remain a priority. The current operation must not be seen as targeting any religion, tribe or nationality but aimed at fighting terrorism and other forms of crime,” said Njue.

TERROR FINANCIERS

He was speaking Monday during a press briefing at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi where he was accompanied by ACK head Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, Methodist Church in Kenya Presiding Bishop Joseph Ntombura, PCEA Moderator David Riitho Gathanju and NCCK Representative Reverend Charles Kibicho among other leaders.

The recent operation has seen 82 Somalis deported while hundreds more have been arrested and screened. The Government is also investigating several individuals believed to be financing the terror groups.

Gathanju related the growing wave of terror and crime to the radicalisation of the youth in several parts of the country, particularly at the Coast.

He said the learning institutions have gradually been transformed into centres of radicalisation, blaming provisions in the Basic Education Act 2013 which undermines their role in the schools they sponsor.

“For a long time, our schools have strived to inculcate values that promote national cohesion and good citizenry. However, in its current form, certain provisions of the Act have stripped us our rightful position to oversee the management of sponsored public schools,” he said.

GRAFT IN COUNTIES

The leaders said inclusion and participation of faith-based organisation in the management, administration and ownership of the schools will help address the menace of alcohol, drug abuse and high levels of violence in the institutions.

“Recent happenings have taught us that our children don’t just go to school to get education, but holistic formation which determines what type of citizens they grow to become. We must therefore strengthen the role of churches in schools to ensure our educational institutions bring up responsible God fearing citizens,” said Gathanju.

The leaders also expressed concern on the level of corruption by individuals at the counties which they said could affect the spirit of devolution. “We acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services and resources closer to the people since independence. We however recognise and lament that corruption seems to also have been devolved and a noble idea risks being hijacked by selfish individuals,” said Dr Wabukala. 

They called on the leaders to be united in fighting corruption in both the central and county governments.