--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We the Catholic Bishops of Kenya wish to greet and address all Catholics and people of good will in our country. We urge all people in Kenya to reflect carefully on the promises made in the various party manifestos and political rallies. This will require attention, analysis and sobriety at this time when certain "election euphoria" is gripping the nation. Now is the time for cool heads, responsible pronouncements and above all, peace and non-violence. We call on everyone to distinguish between what is good or bad for our country.

A rather worrying development recently has been the making of agreements or memorandum between candidate (s) for office and sections of the Kenyan community. This practice is particularly unacceptable when religion is used as a platform to ascend to power. Kenya is a secular state. No one should be allowed to turn it into a religious state. Promises to give any "faith-group" special rights and the application of its particular religious laws for governance are completely contrary to the Constitution of Kenya. Even the granting of special religious favours during campaign time is wrong. Sectoral religious supremacy and regional, religious strongholds will divide Kenya and is a recipe for tensions and even chaos.

Further, no candidate at any level of power or political party has authority to enter into pacts that affect all Kenyans without consulting them. The Proposed Constitution was defeated by the people of Kenya in 2005. It will be for a future Constitution - when it is duly voted upon - to decide if changes are necessary and desirable. Kenyans are aware of their rights now more than ever before.

As the Catholic Bishops Conference of Kenya, we continue to remain non-partisan in the ongoing civic, parliamentary and presidential campaigns. However, we have the right to demand that any memorandum of agreement between candidates and particular sections of the population that affect the whole nation must be made public at the earliest. It is also our moral duty to indicate to our church members and all others who wish to listen to reason, that there are certain principles which must be adhered to for the common good of our country.

We urge all concerned to desist from any action that will divide this country. Elections will come and go. The unity of our people is paramount. It must be maintained.

"May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty,
Plenty be found within our borders". (National Anthem).


Signed:

Most Rev. John Njue
Archbishop of Nairobi
-Apostolic Administrator, Murang'a
Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference
-------------------------------------------------------
1. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - Vice Chairman --------Kakamega
2. Most Rev. Nicodemus Kirima --------Nyeri
3. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth --------Kisumu
4. Most Rev. Boniface Lele --------Mombasa
5. Rt. Rev. Peter Kairo --------Nakuru
6. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin --------Garissa
7. Rt. Rev Cornelius K. Arap Korir --------Eldoret
8. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa --------Kisii
9. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo --------Homa Bay
10. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich ------Military Ordinariate
11. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley --------Kitale
12. Rt. Rev. Norman King'oo Wambua --------Bungoma
13. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC --------Marsabit
14. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng'ang'a - Auxilliary --------Nairobi
15. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC --------Isiolo Vicariate
16. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington --------Lodwar
17. Rt. Rev. Francis Baldacchino --------Malindi
18. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante --------Maralal
19. Rt. Rev Salesius Mugambi --------Meru
20. Rt. Rev. Cornelius Schilder --------Ngong
21. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro --------Nyahururu
22. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo --------Kericho
23. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde --------Machakos
- Apostolic Administrator --------Kitui
24. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria --------Embu