Germany faults misuse of religion in the country

Thomas Wimmer, German deputy ambassador to Kenya speaking in Nairobi on 3rd May 2023 during the commemoration of Konrad Adenauer Stifung at 50. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

The German government has waded into the controversies surrounding the freedom of churches in the country.

This emerged during the country's celebration of 50 years of investment in the country, faulting the religious leaders for misusing the opportunity.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation vice chairman Herman Grohe warned that unless religious freedom is put to check, what has been witnessed in Shakahola, Kilifi County, where several people are believed to have been starved to death will not end.

"The religious teachings and power were misused to drive people into suicide by starvation is shocking all of us. To address this is to strengthen religious dialogue,'' Grohe said.

The foundation has been championing democracy, religious, social and economic development in the country.

Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau expressed confidence saying the country's bilateral agreement between the two countries will open doors to many youths moving to the country.

Wanjau noted that a pact signed between President William Ruto and Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz will open doors for Germany to invest in Kenya.

''Doors are open to partners who are more willing to come along with us, work with us in making Kenya even greater. Last month, Kenya and Germany committed to strengthen and deepen their relationship and political partnership,'' Wanjau stated.

She hailed the company for its valuable contribution towards the promotion of governance, social economic market and the rule of law assuring government commitment to ensuring that the bilateral ties between the two states are enhanced.

''Kenya is keen on stranger co-operations around skilled workers accessing German employment and is very prudent to recognize areas we can improve linkage on,'' Wanjau said.

Grohe, said African countries are growing politically to emerge strong in democracy through its election.

He cited last year's general election in the country which he said is a key indicator of the maturity in democratic space.

''This is great work to strengthen democracy, rule of law, human rights, inter-religious dialogue, climate protection, empowerment of women and youth,'' Grohe added.

Country Director of GIZ, Thomas Wimmer observed that the foundation goals have spearheaded democracy in the country saying this should be cultivated for prosperity.

''For many years, KAS has partnered with Kenya which has greatly impacted positive relations to the political excellence of our societies,'' Wimmer said.

KAS Country Director Annette Schwendner assured the foundation's commitment to continue spearheading and championing democracy and good governance in the country and in the region through creating awareness.

''Kenya and KAS are long time partners in matters of furthering development and sharing of experiences and knowledge. Among them are good governance, vibrant democracy and free speech,'' Schwendner said.

Last week, President William Ruto and Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed to find a working relationship that will enhance the TVET colleges in the two countries.

"What we seek is a synergy to enrich learning and grow the economy from the bottom up, Germany has agreed to enhance the Hustler Fund to increase affordable and easy access," Ruto said.

''The current situation is a synergy to enrich learning and growth of the economy.''

The KAS is a German political party foundation with the aim of the foundation's civic education programs.

It promotes freedom and liberty, peace, and justice through furthering European unification, improving transatlantic relations, and deepening development cooperation.

KAS has also incredibly been instrumental in advancing the inclusion of Youth and women in governance processes. The commitment of Konrad in deepening and entrenching democracy in Kenya.

It intended to provide citizens with a basis for political action through the research and analyses of current political trends.

KAS consists of six departments, two educational centres, sixteen training centres and an academy and an international centre.

In addition, it operates an archive for Christian democracy policy documents and researcher democracy history development.

The Politics and Consultant department is the core part of the organisation and also the Scholarship and cultural activities department provides financial and moral support to its students