Anglican Church head condemns increase in violent crimes

Anglican church of Kenya Head Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit (center in Clerical Robes when he launched the Pillar Television owned by the Kirinyaga diocese at the St.Thomas Cathdral in Kerugoya town yesterday. PHOTO;MUNENE KAMAU/STANDARD DATE; 17/7/2016

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) head Jackson ole Sapit has decried the rise in crime rate.

He said widespread insecurity had led to fear and despondency among citizens.

Archbishop Sapit said the poor feel insecure while the rich fear being robbed or attacked by criminal gangs, which operate freely.

"The Kenyan society is at a crossroads. Husbands are massacring their wives, wives killing their spouses, police shoot indiscriminately and kill their colleagues and those in their custody," said the archbishop.

Speaking at St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya town when he launched Pillar Television Station, Sapit attributed the trend to emerging social challenges which most Kenyans are not able to overcome.

He said the Church must stamp its spiritual authority and shape up the society by preaching and teaching only what is godly.

Sapit, who is the sixth archbishop of ACK, said due to the many emerging security concerns “each one of us must be his or her brother's keeper".

He said religion in the society was still relevant in shaping the moral fabric of the society, contrary to those claiming the institution had outlived its importance.

"The Anglican Church has come up with a programme that aims to inculcate good morals and Christian faith to children from ages 0-6 years since we have discovered this is the most neglected age group. And these formative years are very important in shaping the future of the child," he said.

Diocesan Bishop Joseph Kibucwa said the TV station has partnered with the BBC–Africa to air its programmes.

"Since we do not want our newly launched TV station to be only airing local content, this is why we have entered into a partnership with the BBC which will be providing us with international content for our viewers," Bishop Kibuchwa said.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, who donated Sh200, 000 for the TV project, challenged the media to focus more on development rather than on the negatives in the society.