Archbishop says Kenyan government must stop helping political parties

Published: 2006-07-25

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- Nairobi Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki has urged the Kenyan government to stop using its resources to campaign for political parties. Archbishop Ndingi said it was unconstitutional for the government to campaign for political parties, although it had done so in the campaign for the July 24 by-elections to replace five legislators killed in a May plane crash. The new party Narc-Kenya, backed by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, won three out of the five seats. Kenyans need to also vote carefully during the December 2007 general elections, the archbishop told Catholic News Service, adding that current Kenyan politicians were serving only their own interests. "It is unfortunate that the Kenyan leaders, especially politicians, are selfish and not addressing the fate of Kenyans for the sake of achieving development in the country," said Archbishop Ndingi. The church is prepared to educate Kenyans about their democratic rights so that the people do not repeat past mistakes, electing leaders without a vision, he said.

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