Government asked to clear air over delay in registration

By Robert Wanyonyi

Catholic bishops have asked the Government to address the confusion around voter registration and reassure Kenyans on the March 4 elections.

Led by John Cardinal Njue, 27 bishops said a date for voter registration should be set to give Kenyans ample time to register and participate in the elections.

They were speaking during a press conference at the Saint Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Kabula, in Bungoma County.

Cardinal Njue also expressed fears the reforms the church fought for bravely risk being derailed unless Chapter Six on Integrity and Leadership was implemented to the letter.

“We appeal to all Kenyans to examine and assess all candidates seeking elective positions in the next General Election because we cannot expect good leadership from persons whose integrity is compromised,” said Cardinal Njue.

He also said the Catholic church is dismayed by rising insecurity and terrorist attacks that have targeted innocent Christians.  Expressing fears the attacks were scaring faithful from going to church, the bishops also criticised the police investigations saying they bore no fruits.

They said that there was an influx of guns and other dangerous weapons into the country, but there was laxity in vigilance by security agents.

The bishops also called on the Government to expeditiously address the go-slow by police saying it would be disastrous to ignore the officers’ demands.

They, however, warned different cadres of the civil service demanding pay hikes and better working conditions may in the long run hurt poor Kenyans since the rises may force the Government to raise taxes on all basic commodities.  Njue, who is also the Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, cautioned Kenyans to be wary of emerging political alliances saying most were mooted along tribal lines.

“While bringing people together is good, we are also urging our leaders to stop forming groups that will isolate particular communities from the rest of the country as this might bring about tribal animosity and hatred among Kenyans,” said Njue.