NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 16 – Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has asked church and political leaders to show seriousness in the fight against corruption and promote an ethical culture.
Mr Musyoka expressed concern that corruption was not only taking root in some government departments but also among religious groups which were expected to provide moral leadership to the society.
The Vice President asked the church leadership to first change their ways of handling issues before they speak for the society.
“Religious leaders just like the politicians should admit that they have let down Kenyans in advocating for justice and democracy and should change their ways before speaking for the society,” he said.
He called on the civil society to take up the lead in advocating against corruption, saying it was the best way to end the culture of corruption and impunity in the country.
Speaking during a prayer breakfast organised by the Bible Society of Kenya at the Serena Hotel on “raising leaders of integrity”, the Vice President said it was disheartening to learn that religious leaders were divided on tribal backgrounds during the last General Election at the expense of serving the nation.
Mr Musyoka admitted that bad governance was to blame for the many problems facing the country citing hunger, high poverty levels and unemployment among the youth.
He added that the Grand Coalition Government was not the best for the African continent but assured religious leaders that Kenya’s Coalition would survive its term.
The Vice President asked religious leaders to continue praying for national healing and reconciliation as the only way to uniting Kenyans irrespective of ethnic and political affiliation.
“I am sure at the moment there is disconnect between what we proclaim and what we do. We should not only be heard speaking the loudest and at the end of the day we do not put in action what we say,” said Mr Musyoka.
The Vice President also challenged religious groups to engage in advocacy programmes if leadership of integrity was to be achieved.
“All religions hold firm positions on integrity and how we need to entrench it as a way of life. The Bible is unequivocal about the need to submit to God’s instructions regarding honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of human Endeavour,” said Mr Musyoka.
The Bible Society of Kenya deputy secretary general Oliver Kisaka said there was need for churches to help the government in the fight against corruption and other immoral vices in the society.
Present were Ministers Martha Karua (Justice), Prof Hellen Sambili (Youth and Sports) and Assistant Minister Gideon Ndambuki (Agriculture).
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