In a strong statement made during the annual Cultural Sunday event at St. Mathews ACK Church in Eldoret, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) clergy urged the government and politicians to embrace criticism as a tool for improvement rather than a point of contention. Canon Rev. Benard Kosgey emphasized that the church is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges faced by ordinary Kenyans, making its observations and suggestions vital for national progress.
The remarks come shortly after Catholic bishops issued a stinging critique of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of “fostering a culture of lies” instead of fulfilling its promises to the people. These criticisms were met with resistance from some political quarters, but the ACK clergy has called on leaders to approach such feedback with an open mind.
A Call for Reflection and Action
Speaking to congregants, Rev. Kosgey cautioned against dismissing the Catholic bishops’ observations. Instead, he urged leaders to reflect on the underlying issues raised by the church and to act decisively to address them. “Let us accept such criticism and use it to correct areas where we have gone wrong. I urge political leaders to listen to church leaders and make corrections for better governance,” Kosgey said.
He stressed that criticism from religious leaders is often rooted in a genuine desire to improve governance and address societal challenges. Rather than being seen as an attack, he noted, it should be viewed as constructive feedback aimed at fostering accountability and development.
Collaboration for a Better Kenya
Rev. Kosgey called for enhanced cooperation between the government and all stakeholders, including religious institutions, to address national challenges. He highlighted the importance of engaging diverse perspectives to create policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Kenyans.
“We should work together to make Kenya better because this country is for all of us. We also need to ensure the criticism we make is genuine and meant to make our lives better,” he said.
The clergy also urged politicians to avoid responding to criticism with hostility, particularly towards church leaders who have a deeper understanding of the struggles many Kenyans face due to government policies. Kosgey called for genuine dialogue and a listening culture among leaders to ensure that Kenya’s governance system serves everyone equitably.
Harnessing Cultural Diversity
The event also underscored the importance of cultural diversity as a unifying factor in Kenya. The Cultural Sunday celebrations featured Bible readings, singing, and traditional attire from various ethnic groups, showcasing the richness of Kenya’s heritage. Rev. Kosgey and other speakers emphasized that understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial for national harmony.
“To fully understand each other as a nation and respect each other, it is important for Kenyans to interact extensively and learn about each other’s cultures,” Kosgey noted. He added that cultural diversity is not a challenge but a strength that can drive development and foster unity.
Yonah Odek, a church member, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that embracing cultural diversity creates a peaceful environment necessary for progress.
A Path Toward Harmony and Progress
The ACK clergy’s remarks come at a critical time when Kenya is grappling with economic and social challenges. Their message of collaboration, openness to criticism, and cultural harmony is a timely reminder of the need for unity and mutual respect in addressing these issues.
As the clergy pointed out, leadership involves listening and making necessary adjustments for the greater good. By working together and appreciating diverse perspectives, Kenya can achieve governance that uplifts all citizens and strengthens the fabric of the nation.
