Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - “Only through respect of the other and proper use of dialogue can this government forge ahead to tackle the issues affecting ‘mwananchi’ [kiswahili for “sons of the nation,” i.e. Kenyans],” says Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa (Kenya), in a statement he sent to Agenzia Fides)
In recent weeks, in fact, the tensions that had existed for some time in the coalition government have become even more heated, creating great concern among citizens. The government of national unity is the result of an accord that ended the grave conflict that broke out last year between supporters of President Kibaki and supporters of Prime Minister Odinga, who was vying for the Presidency.
The continual divisions within the Kenyan coalition government are a cause for great concern for the international community. On May 13, the United States declared that it was “deeply concerned” for the continual political disputes in the coalition government. In addition, there are new scandals of corruption constantly appearing, a source of instability for the nation.
“The Church, as the conscience of the society has a duty to reconcile people towards nation building and peaceful co-existence,” the Archbishop of Mombasa said. “As it is now, our country is marred by challenges affecting wananchi mainly caused by our leaders. We have pending cases, scandals involving maize and fuel, impunity, corruption, internally displaced persons at camps still to date and even the Migingo Island saga.” The Migingo Island in Lake Victoria is being disputed by Kenya and Uganda, especially because of its powerful fuel reserves that are supposedly underground and in the surrounding seabed.
“Why are our leaders not reacting honestly to these issues if they really have the interests of the wananchi (Kenyans) at heart? There has been no change in the style of management of the government for the better. There is a lot of mudslinging, chest-thumping, deceit from our leaders and nothing but bad governance.”
“Kenyans are hungry, angry and tired of the petty squabbling between the ministers. Kenyans are facing hunger, drought, floods, unemployment, diseases amongst many other challenges and the onus is on the leaders to make life in Kenya better than it is as of now,” Archbishop Lele observed.
“As the Church, we urge you to restore sanity to our fast-failing government. Make time to find a lasting solution to the troubled coalition. Leave your personal interest aside for once and concentrate on the fate of the nation.”
“Kenya is not a political party; it is a nation, and a sovereign one at that. Parties will come and go but Kenya is here to stay. Mutual respect is the real key to harmony. Common good must prevail and this will only be achieved through sincere dialogue. We urge you to respect each other, treat each other as equals, and forge ahead in healing of our already battered nation- Kenya,” concluded the Archbishop of Mombasa. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 19/5/2009)
