Christian, Hindu and Muslim leaders in Kenya have united to reject 'piecemeal' amendments of the constitution before the 2007 elections, saying they do not go far enough, while pledging to mobilize for the inclusion of their followers' voices.
Their united stance comes as politicians have warned the faiths to refrain from taking part in the constitutional review debate, as clerics have pressed for more far-reaching reforms than the politicians appear prepared to recommend.
'These politicians do not want changes that benefit ordinary Kenyans,' Roman Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi Raphael Ndingi Mwana a' Nzeki said on September 4 at a media conference convened by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.
Less than 10 months after a government-backed referendum on proposed constitutional changes was lost, members of parliament have started agitating for minimum reforms along with politicians who had championed the rejection but who are now leading calls for changes.
The reforms are targeting presidential powers that allow for the leader to dissolve parliament, call for elections and appoint members of the electoral commission. The politicians argue that changing these powers will create a level playing field before the next national elections. But President Mwai Kibaki has dismissed those calling for the changes as self-seekers.
However, religious leaders say they are being sidelined in the debate, and have warned that the failure to include all stakeholders in the process will lead to 'parliamentary dictatorship.'
'The only change that politicians want is that which will entrench their positions of power ... The people will not be held hostage to the whims and self-interest of politicians,' the leaders said in a statement.
In an interview with Ecumenical News International, Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said there was a need to jump-start the process within a legal framework. 'The process should be led by neutral and sober groups,' said Nzimbi. 'I believe the faith groups would be better placed to take the lead.'
Article by Fredrick Nzwili - Ecumenical News International