On 27th October 2021, NCIC in partnership with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) held its inaugural symposium to affirm the positive role of faith institutions in promoting peaceful co-existence within the election cycle.
The conference, which took place at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), brought together religious leaders drawn from different walks of faith who not only took part in a candid conversation on how to provide leadership in political dialogue and peaceful processes before, during and after the elections but committed to using their structures and functions to talk to politicians and the youth to embrace peace ahead of 2022.
The Principal Secretary for State Department of Interior, Dr. (Eng) Karanja Kibicho, who was the chief guest (representing Dr. Fred Matiangi, CS Interior) emphasized the need to have multi-agency collaboration and engagements, including with the clergy, during the elections period. In his media address, he averred, "We call upon different players of the criminal justice system to reconcile in order to offer justice to Kenyans and inciters of election violence".
His words were reiterated by NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia CBS and IRCK Chairperson Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutie, who emphasized the need to read from the same script to avoid frustrations when it comes to delivering services to Kenyans.
NCIC Chairman, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, CBS giving his remarks during the Commission's inaugural Religious Symposium Symposium
With the clarion call Elections Bila Noma, the high-level event also brought together various speakers, moderators, and discussants including Prof. PLO Lumumba, Dr. Mustapha Ali, Dr. Richard Mutuura, Archbishop (Rtd) Rev. Eliud Wabukhala, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Sen. Masista Naomi Shiyonga amongst other members of faith-based institutions who affirmed their commitment in advocating for a peaceful 2022 and beyond.
