Catholic bishops fault government over rising insecurity

Kenya: Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has faulted the government over failure to restore security following the killing of more than 200 Kenyans in a span of one month.

The bishops said the recent ethnic conflict that left over 50 people dead is indication that the government has not put in place enough measures to secure Kenyans.

The clerics spoke at St Thomas Aquinas Seminar in Langata, Nairobi, where they called on the government to disarm locals in the troubled zones.The newly elected Chairman of the conference Philip Anyolo said no effort has been made by the government to address security concerns in the country.

“The government is giving promises, threats and ultimatums which have become a norm with very little being done and the same tragic cycle of death continues,” said Bishop Anyolo.

He said desperation is increasing as Kenyans lose trust in the government to protect them.

The bishops said the situation in the North Rift has worsened especially after the discovery of oil and other minerals.

“The situation in the North Rift is not cattle rustling as labelled by the government but brutal murder,” he said. They said the government must fulfill its constitutional mandate to protect all Kenyans.

“It is time to draw the line. A government that cannot protect its own people loses its legitimacy to govern,” Anyolo said.

The bishops said the conflict in the North Rift was being fueled by local leaders and self-centered high profile individuals in the community. “Local leaders and other ‘untouchable’ individuals who continue arming and inciting communities against each other must be dealt with,” said Anyolo.

They want the government to use the police force and government officials to initiate dialogue and conduct disarmament among the warring communities.

The bishops also want the government to empower the North Rift region economically to end perennial conflicts.