ACK clergy in Eldoret has asked the government and
politicians to accept criticism on unpopular policies and resist the temptation
to attack the critics.
They said churches are in a better position to understand the problems affecting Kenyans and the government should be ready to listen to church leaders and act to correct its mistakes.
Their remarks follow last week’s harsh criticism of government by Catholic bishops who accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of “fostering a culture of lies” at the expense of implementing its pledges.
Provost of St Mathews ACK Church in Eldoret, Canon Rev Benard Kosgey, said political leaders should be keen to know why the Catholic bishops spoke out instead of rubbishing the criticism.
"Let us accept such criticism and use it to correct areas where we have gone wrong. I urge political leaders to listen to church leaders and make corrections for better governance," Kosgey said.
He said it was not only the Catholic bishops who had been critical of the government in the recent past.
Canon Kosgey was speaking during the annual cultural Sunday event at the church.
He asked politicians to find the positives in the criticisms made by the Catholic bishops and other church leaders who have spoken out in the recent past.
Kosgey also challenged political leaders to be keen listeners and find out why the church leaders made the criticism.
“It’s true we have challenges as a country and there is no need for our political leaders to turn against the church leaders who speak out instead of being keen listeners for purposes of making corrections where necessary,” Kosgey said.
He asked the government to embrace working with all stakeholders and accept suggestions from every other person for a better understanding.
"We should work together to make Kenya better because this country is for all over us. We also need to ensure the criticism we make is genuine and meant to make our lives better," Rev Kosgey said.
He cautioned politicians against attacking
the clergy who he said have a better understanding of the challenges many
Kenyans are grappling with due to some government policies.
The ACK leaders said all Kenyans and decision makers in higher positions should embrace cultural diversity for harmony to prevail and maintain a peaceful environment that will create a balanced system that works for the promotion of key values and development for all citizens.
The event was characterised by Christians singing and reading the Bible in different ethnic languages, and also wearing of traditional clothes among other activities.
Rev Kosgey noted that to fully understand each other as a nation and respect each other, it was important for Kenyans to extensively interact and learn more about each other especially on culture in order to promote and tap benefits of diversity.
The church members led by Yonah Odek said cultural diversity was a strength which all Kenyans should embrace and live harmoniously.
