Speak boldly against vices holding Kenya back, Uhuru tells religious leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi with religious leaders.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged religious leaders to speak consistently and openly in condemnation of the vices slowing down Kenya’s progress.

The President said it is only through the active participation of all Kenyans including religious leaders that the country will defeat ills such as corruption that are a hindrance to the country’s development.

“Speak boldly against all the vices that are holding our nation back. Our job for building this nation is a shared responsibility; we deliver on the physical wellness of citizens, as you nourish their souls and spirit,” the president said.

He added: “The leadership of the church in the anti-corruption fight is highly appreciated. But, there is still room for more action from the church, it is a society fight, not one for the government alone.”

The President spoke yesterday at State House, Nairobi during a meeting with religious leaders who paid him a courtesy call.

At the same meeting, the president and the religious leaders agreed to host national prayers on October 10 to, among other national issues, pray for the country’s battle with Covid-19.

On politics, the President advised the religious leaders led by Archbishop Anthony Muheria, the Chairperson of the Interfaith Council on Covid-19, to continue feeding Kenyans with messages of hope and remain non-partisan.

“I call upon the church to be the voice of reason and to foster messages of hope for the wellness of the nation. We need you to help heal divides,” the Head of State said.

The president assured the leaders that the government will continue partnering with religious institutions in the delivery of public services such as education and healthcare.

He urged religious leaders to shepherd Kenyans in building “bridges of unity between brothers and sisters, within families and communities.”

In a memorandum presented to the president, the religious leaders made proposals on how to address some of the challenges facing the country such as youth unemployment, drug abuse and gender-based violence.

The president and the religious leaders also discussed post-Covid-19 economic recovery, divisive politics, and the Big 4 Agenda.