From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
Emily from Nairobi would like to know whether Eldoret Catholic bishop Cornelius Korir backed Jubilee’s motion to remove Kenya from Rome Statute because he is a Kalenjin, and if this is the case, as a shepherd of the flock in Eldoret where we have many tribes other than Kalenjins, don’t you think this makes him partisan?
Emily would also like to know why Jubilee MPs think Waki envelope had 20 names but was reduced to 6. Do they suspect Raila’s name was there but removed by Kofi Annan?
I am not sure whether bishop Korir backed Jubilee MPs in passing the motion to remove Kenya from Rome Statute that formed International Criminal Court (ICC) because he is a Kalenjin, what I do know for sure, that bishop Korir like any other Kenyan has his democratic right to air his views, be it politically, socially or even religiously.
This is not the first time bishop Korir has been accused of being partisan. In April last year he was accused that by attending Kamatusa meeting in Eldoret he is tribal. Kamatusa meeting was initiated by MPs allied to former Eldoret North MP William Ruto and took place in Catholic Church pastoral centre attended by Bishop Korir.
Shortly it emerged that Korir attended the meeting, Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese Bishop Boniface Lele criticised religious leaders who attended the Gema and Kamatusa meetings, saying the meetings were tribal and religious leaders have no business promoting tribalism in the country.
Lele added that religious leaders appear to propagate impunity and tribalism when they attend such meetings. Bishop Lele was addressing the press at Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa.
The Gema and Kamatusa meetings held in Limuru and Eldoret respectively were attended by Bishop Cornelius Korir who led a host of priests at the Kamatusa meeting and Peter Njenga who attended the Gema meeting.
When it comes to partisan politics in Kenya even priests are not spared. That is why in December 2006 Catholic bishops in Kenya issued a pastoral letter urging clergy to stay away from involvement in partisan politics.
The three-page document, signed by all bishops reminded priests that they are a symbol and builder of unity, stressing that political canvassing or urging people to vote for particular candidates or parties leads to confusion and division.
Even so, one thing we must commend bishop korir of, is his efforts to work tirelessly towards uniting Kenyans after 2007/008 post election violence, particularly the two warring ethnic communities (Kikuyus and Kalenjins) through their common desire to grow the food that would help them rebuild their lives.
As part of an ongoing series of “seed ceremonies,” Bishop Korir handed out bags of maize seed and fertilizer to members of the Kikuyu community, pleading with Kalenjin communities to allow the Kikuyus to return to their shambas (lands).
Bishop Korir has also in several occasions challenged politicians to preach peace ahead of any coming general elections.
On whether Jubilee MPs suspect Raila’s name was in Waki envelope is hard to tell. What is very clear is that according to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) separate list, Waki list is not comprehensive and does not present a complete picture of all who may have been involved.
It makes mention of various alleged perpetrators and includes some background information on them, and the allegation(s) and information supporting the allegation(s), which the National Commission believes provides a basis and a good starting point for further investigations.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
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Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ UN Disarmament Conference, 2002