NCCK Calls for National Transformation, Youth Empowerment Amidst Political and Social Turmoil

 By James Mutua

Limuru, Kenya - June 27, 2024. In a decisive meeting held at the Jumuia Conference and Country Home in Limuru, the Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Thursday emphasized the critical need to redefine and reshape the nation’s identity, ethos, and future. Recognizing Kenya's current crossroads, NCCK called upon all Kenyans to actively participate in this transformative process.

Engagement with the President

During their statutory meeting, the NCCK confirmed a recent appointment with President William Ruto, where they presented concerns over the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and the issue of police brutality in ongoing demonstrations. They said that when they met the President on Wednesday night, he assured them the immediate withdrawal of the controversial bill, cessation of police brutality, and  commitment against deploying the military.

During the meeting with the president, NCCK stressed the urgency of addressing youth deprivation in education, life skills, and employment to prevent social chaos. With 79 percent of the Kenyan population being under the age of 35, NCCK said it was committed to several initiatives, including establishing youth excellence centers, developing youth-led programs, organizing economic forums, increasing resources for youth work, and enhancing citizen participation for public accountability.

Additionally, NCCK mourned the deaths resulting from police actions during peaceful demonstrations, condemning the violence and urged the political leadership to respect the will of the people. They called for the repeal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and demanded a special parliamentary session to address the President's memorandum.

They demanded the government to respect the right to peaceful picketing and cease the abduction and unlawful arrests of the youth as well as unconditional release of the  youths arrested during the demonstrations. NCCK also called for immediate withdrawal of the military from the Kenyan streets.

"It is especially of concern to us that despite a Court Order, the military has been deployed in different parts of Nairobi today. We demand that the government commits to obey the law and allow the Kenyans to peacefully express their aspirations." NCCK

They announced seven days of mourning for those who died exercising their right to participate in governance, culminating in  memorial services on July 7, 2024.

On Reconstituting the IEBC, NCCK urged swift action to complete the appointment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, essential for fair elections and boundary reviews.

"Kenyans in constituencies and wards that have been unable to hold by-elections are suffering injustice, and the boundaries review process is yet to be done. This process must be completed without further delay."  They concluded. 


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