The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has said the church should be the loudest whistle-blowers when politicians and masses are wrong.
This comes a day after NCIC chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia said the commission will ensure that politicians notorious for hate speech don’t obtain visas as part of efforts to curb the vice in the country.
Speaking at the Church and politics summit held at Movenpick Hotel, Kobia said the church can’t keep quiet when the politicians are mistreating the masses.
“…and at the same time the church can’t keep quiet when the masses are misbehaving,” he added.
Kobia noted that it should not be because of the keen eyes of the police or NCIC that people stay in peace but because of our own inner call.
Additionally, Kobia said that NCIC is focusing on the role of the Church in promoting Peace and Cohesion in the Nation.
During a virtual discussion, Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana reiterated that the country has a higher percentage of christians however christianity is not reflected in the politics being practised.
“As a Christian in politics, my guiding values are values of my faith. A country with 80 per cent of christians, that should be reflected in the politics being practiced but that is not the case,” he said.
The Church and politics summit was held at Movenpick Hotel, which aims at setting the agenda for engagement.
During the launch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) Strategic Plan (2020-2024) in Bomas of Kenya, Kobia said he is in talks with at least 15 envoys to deny the politicians visas.
“If we don’t give them visas, then they will behave. More so, those who incite violence should not be allowed to go to Europe or North America.. this will ensure that they stop behaving the way they do,” he said.
Kobia disclosed that some politicians pleaded saying they hope their name won’t be in the list of shame.
According to Kobia, this has made hate speech go down since politicians don’t want their friends to know that they are on the list of shame.
On 2022 elections, he noted that NCIC will also launch its plan that will ensure peace and tranquillity in Kenya ahead of the general elections.