A statement from
Rift Valley Church Leaders

Nairobi, Kenya, January 4, 2008

We, the undersigned Church leaders from the Rift Valley, in the presence of our political leaders, appalled by the outcome of the general elections and concerned by the lawlessness, destruction of property, violence, and loss of life, wish to make the following statement.

1. We strongly condemn the senseless shedding of innocent blood of Kenyans, the wanton destruction of property, and needless violence occasioned by disagreements over the just-concluded general elections. We urge all Kenyans to uphold peace and to avoid any acts that may result in loss of life or destruction of property. Christ already died on the cross for us and no disagreement can be sufficient reason to justify loss of this precious life.
2. The credibility of the tallying process at the ECK headquarters has been questioned by EU observers, several commissioners, staff of the ECK, the Chairman of the ECK himself, and the Attorney General, among others. All parties should now accept a genuine arbitration mechanism with the facilitation of international mediators as a way of resolving this political impasse. Any delay on the resolution of this political crisis may perpetuate the current unacceptable situation. All parties should accept the principle of give-and-take as a way of creating a win-win resolution to this stalemate.
3. The ban on the media should be lifted to enable free flow of information as lack of communication creates fertile ground for rumors and insinuations, which are detrimental to the current situation.
4. We urge that the evictions and evacuations currently going on in parts of the country should be stopped and instead relief efforts stepped up to assist the displaced.
5. We appeal to the Government to be prudent in the use of force, especially with regard to the overwhelming presence of paramilitary police in the public spaces and the use of live bullets to kill and disperse peaceful gatherings of persons.

Awakened by the cry for new life and peace in our nation, may we move on together as one people and one Kenya.

God bless Kenya. May justice be our shield and defender…

May we dwell in unity, peace, and liberty…

Signed on this 4th day of January 2008, in Nairobi, Kenya.

1. Bishop Rev. Dr. Joseph Rono, African Gospel Church
2. Bishop Dr. William K. Tuimising, Deliverance Church
3. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Kogo, ACK-Eldoret Diocese
4. Bishop Silas Yego, African Inland Church
5. Moderator Joseph Murupus, Reformed Church of East Africa
6. Rt. Rev. Stephen Kewasia, ACK-Kitale Diocese
7. Moderator Geoffrey K. Songok, Reformed Church of East Africa
8. Bishop Cornelius Korir, Catholic Diocese of Eldoret
9. Rev. Jackson Koskei, Full Gospel Churches of Kenya

Back to top