Bishops from the Catholic church in Kenya have called for the country to reconsider its priorities in implementing the BBI against uplifting the living standards of Kenyans. – By Gerald Gekara
While meeting at the Mariam Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County the bishops took to task some of the proposals.
Weighing in on the clause that seeks to expand the Executive, the bishops questioned whether Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga are paving way for an imperial president.
“It is very clear that the BBI document gives power to the president to appoint a Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Ministers. The expanded executive was supposed to reflect the face of Kenya and tame the winner-takes -it -all” structure. This amendment could be creating the same problem it set out to solve.”
On the formation of a police council, the clergymen echoed Deputy President William Ruto’s sentiments that the clause will open doors to Kenya becoming a police state.
“The proposed formation of a Kenya Police Council headed by the Cabinet Secretary of Interior with four other members, to replace IPOA is a move that is likely to make Kenya a police state and compromise the independence of the police from the Executive.”
The Bishops also faulted the proposal to have an expanded legislature, saying Kenya’s resources may not be in a position to handle the bloating wage bill.
“The expansion of the Senate to 94 members and the National Assembly to 363 will be a huge burden to the tax payers of this Country who are reeling with a huge wage bill supporting the present numbers of legislators. There is no reason why we should have such a large number of legislators. We do not want more government, but better government.”
The bishops however called on the taskforce to give Kenyans time to read the document before ultimately deciding what is right for them.
They added that for Kenya to build consensus on the report, National ethos will have to be applied to avert another crisis.
“Dear Kenyans, as your Shepherds, we appeal to each one and all of you to seek the greater good of our nation, to seek unity and work towards true reconciliation. This is the time to shun divisive politics, seek the paths of dialogue and sharing our values.” the statement concluded.
