Kenyan Churches Challenge Political Landscape with Bold Governance Demands

In a remarkable move that signals a shift in power dynamics, Kenyan churches, represented by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), unveiled their strategic approach during a gathering at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on September 15th, 2023.

The NCCK, an umbrella organization for various faith-based groups, used this platform to articulate their stance on crucial governance issues.

These issues encompassed the credibility of the 2022 Presidential elections and the imperative need for an audit, the alarming rise in the cost of living, the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, and the restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The NCCK’s impactful statement commenced by referencing the 2019 Census data, revealing the substantial numerical presence of faith-based groups under its purview. With a membership that includes Protestants, Catholics, Evangelicals, Africa Instituted Churches, and other Christians, totaling millions, this data subtly underscored the potential political influence these groups could wield in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Addressing specific constitutional matters, the NCCK delved into the National Government Affirmative Fund, citing relevant constitutional articles to argue against the necessity of a specialized fund for affirmative action. Similarly, they dissected the Senate Oversight Fund, emphasizing that the Senate’s role is primarily one of oversight at the county level, not fund management.

The implications of these recommendations, if heeded and put into action, could have far-reaching consequences for the current ruling regime’s political landscape.

However, it’s worth noting that the NCCK expressed support for the entrenchment of certain political offices, such as the Office of the Official Leader of the Opposition, viewing them as positive steps. Nevertheless, they raised concerns about the creation of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, which they deemed to be absent from the constitutional framework

Adding to the political upheaval, the High Court’s June 2023 ruling declared President William Ruto’s appointment of 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) as unconstitutional, and a Supreme Court ruling in August 2022 further challenged the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) on constitutional grounds, citing its infringement on the principle of the separation of powers.

This bold and intricate narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the NCCK’s vision and its potential impact on Kenya’s political landscape