Clergy against attacks on Judiciary, push for referendum after 2022 – KBC

A section of the clergy wants the executive to tone down attacks on the independence of the Judiciary.

In an apparent reference to remarks made by President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday during the Madaraka day celebrations in Kisumu, the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya has called on the judiciary to resist undue influence in discharging their duties.

The Association also wants the BBI process and the impending referendum shelved until after the 2022 general election.

The clerics opined that amending the constitution with just a year to the general election was impossible and any attempts to delay the poll would be detrimental to the nation.

Addressing journalists a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila drummed up support for the initiative that was declared illegal by the high court, CCAK National chairman Hudson Ndeda said the elections should proceed as provided for in the Constitution.

Even though they were categorical that they are not in support of any amendments, the church leaders however proposed that Parliament initiates changes that will help the electoral commission IEBC to conduct a smooth and credible election.

“We should not rush for anything though it is a right for anybody to appeal the BBI ruling. What we are saying is the issue of the referendum and constitutional amendment should be pushed until next election” he said.

Ndeda pointed out any amendment to the law should be people-centred and all-inclusive.

“ We all know that with the time left to the next years poll it is not practical to have amendments. If the process is rushed, we will come to it again and say we did the wrong thing. Let us wait and bring everybody on board to feel part of the process” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the catholic bishops five days ago.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said to ensure a democratic inclusive process based on law and dialogue, the amendments should be addressed after the 2022 General Election.