Church launches ‘No’ campaign

By Augustine Oduor

Church leaders opposed to the Proposed Constitution launched a ‘No’ campaign on Saturday in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park.

The colourful ceremony, attended by about 17 MPs led by Higher Education Minister William Ruto, saw Christians being asked to convince at least three people to reject the draft.

National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary General Canon Peter Karanja led the church leaders drawn from across the country in criticising the proposed document saying it does not guarantee justice for all Kenyans and urged all Kenyans to reject it.

Karanja said they take the strong decision to say NO because they love the country.

Higher Education Minister William (left) during the Church-sponsored ‘No’ campaign prayer meeting at Uhuru Park on Saturday. Photo: Collin Kweyu/Standard

However conspicuously absent were leaders of the two mainstream churches, Cardinal John Njue (Catholic) and Rev Dr Eliud Wabukala (Anglican Church of Kenya).

Wabukala is on record saying the church rallies would create chaos during the forthcoming referendum.

Among legislators present were Cyrus Jirongo, Jebii Kilimo, Isaac Ruto, Kiema Kilonzo, Charles Keter, Mithika Linturi, Daved Koech, Joshua Kuttuny, Benjamin Lang’at, Sammy Mwaita, Victor Munyaka, Margaret Wanjiru, Daniel Muoki, Peris Simam, Elijah Lang’at and Dr Julius Kones.

The church leaders from mostly the evangelical churches who attended Saturday meeting said the Proposed Constitution does not respect the sanctity of life and also places one religious leader above the others.

Karanja said Christians are determined to shoot down the document at all costs as it was not consistent with the doctrines of the church.

"The country needs a constitution founded on justice and equality and one that would promote nationhood and national coherence," Karanja said.

He said the objective of the church is not to merely replace the current constitution with a new one but to get a constitution that will make Kenya a better nation.

The Canon said with the prayer, it is the choice of the people to build a nation founded on justice, not one founded on injustice, oppression and exclusion.

United Christian Churches Bishop Chairman Bishop Gerry Kibarabara said: "The constitutional process was a good idea but other things came up. We want peace. We are saying No in the name of Jesus."

The function, which had every semblance of a political rally, even as religious leaders maintained it was a prayer crusade, was attended by MPs in solidarity with the church. Also present were representatives of various people and professions.

But speaking on behalf of the legislators, Ruto said they had come in solidarity with the church to ensure the country gets a good constitution.

He seized the opportunity to hit out at ‘Yes’ proponents.

"When rulers and kings speak in different languages from religious leaders, those are signs of a country that needs divine intervention. And when people ordained by God names then it is a sign of a country that desperately needs divine intervention," he said.

Ruto said MPs opposed to the draft would join the church in the push for fair and just constitution.

The church leaders announced they would conduct civic education to enable Kenyans make informed decisions on the draft.

Karanja said the church is aware that people with ominous intents can use the legislative process to enact laws that affect their freedom to exercise religion.

" I urge all religious institutions to keenly engage in civic education so that Kenyans can understand what the Proposed Constitution contains and therefore make informed decision," said Karanja.

The leaders launched the whistle and a red card as the symbols of the No campaign and commissioned Christians to talk to at least three people against the draft.