Churches, elders want IEBC, Judiciary reformed ahead of 2017 polls

The National Council of Churches in Kenya(NCCK)  together with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and 13 Councils of Elders are now calling for reforms in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Supreme Court and in the Police service ahead of the 2017 polls.

In a statement to newsrooms after a meeting at Jumuiya Conference in Limuru, the leaders also called for strengthening of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission ahead of the next year’s General Elections so that they play their impartial and independent roles.

The leaders further expressed their concerns among them the spread of ethnic hatred for political mileage which they said could spill over into another cycle of violence at the 2017 polls.

“Sadly, aspirants and other political actors are seeking to use ethnic identities to label Kenyans as either supporters or enemies,” read the statement in part

The leaders, however, committed to address their concerns by working with other leaders in our communities to promote dialogue.

They have further committed to promote rule of law, facilitate local consultations, organize national consultative conference as well as champion for peace and national cohesion.

“All these engagements are meant to ensure that Kenya has peace before, during and after the 2017 General Elections. We, therefore, commit not to allow any political or social actors to preach hatred or violence in our communities.”