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Righteousness exalts a Nation, but Sin is a disgrace to any People. (Proverbs 14: 34)

To The Leaders Of This Nation

His Excellency the President,
   Hon. Mwai Kibaki
Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga

Receive Greetings in the Name of Christ Jesus.

At this time, of pain, horror, sorrow, suffering, insecurity in our beloved country, we as Friends Church in Kenya, being a peace church, are deeply concerned for the safety of all Kenyans and friends visiting Kenya during this time of political and social instability. May we start by referring to our Quaker values which have guided us over the past four centuries.

Quaker Peace Testimony

We actively oppose all that leads to violence among people and nations... Refusal to fight with weapons is not surrender. We are not passive when threatened by the greedy, the cruel, the tyrant, and the unjust. We will struggle to remove the causes of impasse and confrontation by every means of nonviolent resistance available. We must start with our own hearts and minds. Together, let us reject the clamor of fear and listen to the whisperings of hope.

Our Principle is, and our practices have always been: to follow after righteousness and the knowledge of God, seeking the good and welfare of humanity and doing that which tends to the peace of all.

As Friends Church, our goal is to have a peaceful society anchored in and as a consequence of the process of Truth, Righteousness, and Justice (Ps. 89:14).

Our basic principles and values that undergird our concerns compel us to make this call to you, our political leaders.

These include:

Truth:

• Truth is critical to the establishment of legitimacy for the political class, that is, presidency and the opposition, if they are to en¬joy the loyalty and respect of all Kenyans. This can only be achieved if the objective truth is that the elections were free, fair, and transparent. For us, “the Spirit of Christ, which leads us into all Truth, will never move us to Fight and War against any person with outward weapons, neither for the Kingdom of Christ nor for the kingdoms of this world.” (Luke 22:49-51; 2 Corinthians 10:4)

Peace and Justice:

• Kenyans are sad, angry, and disillusioned today. We call on all parties to look back to 30th December 2002, when all Kenyans collectively celebrated the hope of a united democratic and prosperous society.
• We call on all people to object to everything which leads in the direction of war, preparation for it or supporting it! Our faith challenges us as to whether we are now ourselves to become a divided people, swept along by the streams of mistrust and fear, arrogance, and hatred which produce tensions in the world; or whether by our own decision, confidence, and courage, we can become a bridge linking those elements which promote truth, justice, and peace.
• This battle is not about ethnicity per se, rather it is about economic injustice, and the youth across the board bear the brunt of it. There is an icy gap between them and the older age. There was hope and expectation that this nation would be steered towards a more democratic, united, just, and prosperous society, where development would be experienced by all hardworking Kenyans. That hope was rekindled, with their participation in the just ended elections and the youth in particular saw the possibility of moving forward for the betterment of their lives. They feel cheated. They are expressing anger that the rich are getting richer, while the majority are living on less than one dollar a day. “A hungry person is an angry person.” Justice is what they long for.

Simplicity:

• Quakers believe in modesty, serving humanity in love and harmony. In Kenya, there are gross inequalities in terms of sharing the scarce opportunities and resources. The rich are very rich, while the poor are very poor, and the gap is widening. From the looting that has been witnessed across the board, it’s clear that the present uprising is not per se ethnic, but rather, to a greater extent, a class struggle. “Money bags” “richness.” Quick money-making, e.g. pyramid schemes, have been glorified. The affluent conspicuous consumption and obnoxious display of wealth of the upper class, in a sea of poverty, have not helped.
• The hopes and opportunities for the poor (have-nots) for upward mobility have been frustrated by continuing joblessness and false promises by politicians. The underlyingperceived injustices of our economic disparities must be urgently addressed. A genuine, honest, and sustainable commitment to redressing the imbalances should be made. Otherwise we warn that the class battles will continue in one form or other. The youth are desperate, angry, and impatient. The ordinary Kenyan does not feel or see the effect of the purported 6.5 percent annual growth of the economy or the benefits of the foreign investors.
• The unsatisfactory manner in which corruption cases (Anglo-leasing/Goldenberg scandals) have been handled are seen as unjust and discriminatory against the poor who get heavy sentences for petty theft, yet the greedy rich go scot-free. This impunity, lack of accountability, and arrogance of the corrupt rich has fostered a deep-rooted anger that has exploded and must be addressed meaningfully, openly, and fairly.

Life is Sacred; Stop the Bloodshed

• As Quakers we value every person. We believe that “there is that of God in every person.” “Our central faith requires that we should proclaim, in deed as well as in word, that war... is contrary to the Spirit of God, whose name is Love. The same spirit must animate our business and social relations and make us eager to remove oppression and injustice in every form.”
• As such, we renounce these senseless killings and urge the government to take responsibility and restrain the security forces from using violent means of handling the “demonstrators.” We urge all parties to give a listening ear to the people. Through their violence they are communicating a serious message. Please listen respectfully.
• Politicians should avoid using youths in their schemes to create mayhem in society.
• Supporters should stop being misused and abused by politicians.
• Party leaders must restrain their supporters from engaging in unlawful acts but should engage in peace building.
• The older people should be encouraged to counsel and dissuade the youth from violence.
• Faith-based institutions should continue sending clear non-partisan, non-inflammatory messages that resonate the life affirming, faith-filled, truth and justice-guided, peace-building, comfort-giving, reconciliation-oriented, repentance-seeking, confession-based messages of their faith.

In view of the above, we make the following proposals:

1. An independent audit should be done.

• Tallies from the polling stations for each of the 210 constituencies should be obtained and at least one agent for each candidate from each polling station be brought to Nairobi to verify the count and entries on Form 16A.
• All Forms 16 should be verified with Forms 16A to establish accuracy of entries.
• An independent group, possibly made of church leaders, local observers, international observers, representatives of the two parties and international leaders should be charged to verify the tallying and report their findings to the chairman of the reconstituted ECK and to the Kenyan people.
• Whatever the outcome of the verifica-
• tion, the two parties should abide by the verdict under the guidance of the international arbitrators.

2. Re-run

Following the gazettement of the MPs elect, parliament should convene and elect the Speaker so that business can be conducted to facilitate a mechanism for the urgent re-run of the presidential elections.

3. Interim arrangements

• Hon. Mwai Kibaki should step down from the seat of the presidency to pave way for the interim arrangements suggested below.
• The ODM and the PNU affiliated parties must enter into meaningful dialogue for the sake of national interest.
• Establishment of an interim government comprising all the parties proportionate to their membership in parliament with the Speaker heading it for a period of three months.
• Electoral Commission: The interim government is advised to source expertise from recognized international institutions such as A.U., Commonwealth, European Union and others to assist in supervising the re-run. Due to the failure of ECK, the commissioners should immediately step aside to pave way for the re-constitution of the ECK, along the Principles of IPPG, to organize presidential re-run within the three months.

Commissioners of credibility with integrity should be sourced from LSK, ICJ, eminent persons from professionals, civil society and religious groups.

4. Activities during interim period and thereafter

• Peaceful rallies must be allowed and organized to facilitate the healing process.
• Civil society and religious organizations should have forums to enhance reconciliation through dialogue, counseling and conflict resolution.
• Losers of Parliamentary elections on both sides and former ministers should desist from giving inflammatory statements motivated by their personal vested interests.
• All God-fearing people should acknowledge and repent their sins (such as bribery, false witness, murder, rape, pride, arrogance, dishonesty and others) of commission and omission. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

5. New Constitution

All presidential candidates have affirmed the need for a new constitution. We Kenyans are in dire need of a new God-centred and people-based constitution. All constitutional institutions have failed us: the presidency, parliament, ECK, anti-corruption, political parties, civil society, civil service, constitutional commissions, and especially the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The only institution that is still functioning faithfully is the people: they voted peacefully and in earnest, now they are in disarray because the existing constitution does not address the people’s needs.

In conclusion, we as a Peace Church are committed to the process of national healing. Already we have institutions and programs in place such as: Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP); Trauma Healing; Change Agents for Peace International (CAPI); the Quaker Peace Network, all with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to help bring about healing and transform relationships.

We call upon the wider Body of Christ and other faith based institutions to share in the restoration of a healthy, peaceful and just society.

God bless Kenya.

On Behalf of Friends Church in Kenya (FCK),
Midikira Churchill Kibisu, Presiding Clerk, Friends Church (Quakers), Nairobi Yearly Meeting

cc. Chairman ODM
PNU
Chairman ODM Kenya
Attorney General
ECK Chairman
NCCK
All Other Parties with Presidential Candidates
Transparency International
Kenya National Commission for
Human Rights Chairman
Citizen Coalition for Constitution
Hon. Musalia Mudavadi

To the Leaders and Citizens of Kenya:

The Quaker leadership of Kenya gathered together in Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega between 24th and 27th January 2008. The Friends Church in Kenya and Friends around the world are concerned with what has befallen Kenya in the last one month. As a peace church, we are horrified by the continued wanton destruction of human life and property.

Kenyans need to learn that any violent action they take against their neighbours is an act against God’s way. Our actions and thoughts therefore must be rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In our last communiqué to the leaders, we implored upon them to uphold the principles of truth, justice peace, simplicity, and humility (Psalms 85:10) and to forgive each other.

We cannot be blind to what is happening to this country and its citizens. During the deliberations and reflections, representatives of the Friends Church realized that the underlying causes of the current conflict have been present since long before the general elections of December 2007. We note in particular: economic injustices, youth disempowerment and frustration, and cleavages of religion, ethnicity, class, gender, and age.

To our leaders:

We thank our leaders for starting a process of negotiation, and we believe and trust that they will follow up in earnest with a negotiatliament ed settlement. In this context therefore we say to our leaders:

• We do understand your anguish at this time, and we ask you to approach the situation prayerfully. We urge you to relax your "hard line" political demands and dialog more deeply for the benefit of the country, that no segment of Kenyan society emerges as "losers" but we all may "win" in a peaceful society.
• We urge you to reopen schools that have not opened, in order to allow students to continue with their education.
• We urge the leaders and elders of various communities not to incite or manipulate their youths to perpetuate terror among the citizenry, but to encourage and guide them to act responsibly.
• We denounce the instances of excessive force used by the police against the citizens. To our fellow Kenyans: We appreciate the courage and passion that you, our fellow Kenyans, have shown since the beginning of the post-election violence by contributing and supporting the victims of violence, and we urge you all to continue with the same spirit.
• We appeal to you engage in reconciliation among and rehabilitation of displaced people, integrating them back into the places from which they were displaced, not sending them to other parts of the country.
• We remind you that this country and its land belongs to all of us. Let us not destroy it for by doing so, we put our own future generations in jeopardy. We need a negotiated social contract to live together as Kenyans.
• We urge you to resolve problems in a peaceful way, because we know that there is hope for peace in this country.
• We warn you to desist from rumour-mongering which increases hostility and uncertainty, and urge you to use modern means of communication for positive ends.
• We know that those most affected by this conflict and violence are women, children, disabled and the aged. We must address their suffering, and protect and care for them.
• We encourage every Kenyan to look for "that of God" in every person and to treat life as sacred. As Kenyans, we urge you to uphold our core national values, practice forgiveness and embrace reconciliation.

To our fellow Christians and other Religious groups:

• As people of faith, we must not engage in violence and revenge because if we do so we betray our faith in God.
• We invite you to join us in praying for deliverance from evil spirits which are at work in our country, and continue to intercede for Kenya.
• As a peace church, we are involved in humanitarian, spiritual, and social/economic empowerment of our people. We urge everyone to take time to assist his/her neighbour in order to bring normalcy to the affected people, affirming truth, justice, peace and reconciliation in our nation.

—Jacob Neyole, Presiding Clerk, Friends Church of Kenya

Plan of Action

Coordinating Committee

The Conference appointed the following Coordinating Committee to implement immediate measures and to put steps in place toward the longer-term actions: Henry Mukwanja, Henry Apencha, Getry Agizah, Rose Imbega, David Zarembka, Seth Chayugah, Wesley Harun Sasita, Henry Mkutu, Joseph Mamai Makokha, Lydia Bakassa, Chrispinus Sifuna, Hezron Masitsa, Eric Lijodi. Ex-officio: John Muhanji, Eden Grace, Gladys Kangahi, Dorothy Selebwa, Jacob Neyole, Moses Musonga, Sammy Akifuma.

Immediate crisis-intervention measures

Political crisis:

• Issue a public statement from this Conference
• Use the media to publicize messages of peace and reconciliation
• Document and disseminate stories of people acting in courageous non-violent ways
• Engage in non-violent direct action to stop violence and retaliation in our communities

Humanitarian crisis—internally displaced people:

• Shelter, accommodation
• Food, water, fuel
• Clothing
• Medication, first aid, health care
• Security and safety
• Sanitation
• Trauma counseling
• Bible distribution
• Activities, games
• Access to schooling

Inter-communal crisis:

• Mediate in situations of acute conflict
• Assist in reconciliation between displaced people and those who threatened them
• Reintegrate displaced people into the community, rebuild trust between neighbors

Psychological and spiritual crisis

Crisis-intervention counseling:

• Train primary school teachers on the effects of trauma on young children
• Offer trauma counseling for internally displace people
• Reach the "disaffected" youth, e.g. boda boda drivers, touts, the unemployed
• Scale up Alternatives to Violence Program, to reach as many places as possible
• Establish "listening programmes" for people to tell their stories in a safe environment
• Preach the gospel of peace, educate our own people on the teachings of our church

Crisis of youth in this country:

• Begin a pilot programme for civic and peace education in Quaker schools
• Organize youth work camps to help with humanitarian work and rebuilding

Organizational capacity:

• Establish a national coordination body for the short-term work
• Address need for personnel, including placement of volunteers
• Networking and communications
• Guarantee integrity and transparency in use of funds, to maintain our good reputation
• Possible cluster areas for longer-term work, and potential activities

Youth Empowerment:

• Create a fund for youth empowerment
• Youth programmes, e.g. volunteer training and action, work camps, vocational training
• Seriously examine the involvement of youth in the structures of the Friends Church
• Re-engage with our Quaker schools
• Peer-mediation and AVP in the schools

Economic Development

Income generating activities:

• Teach practical business skills, entrepreneurship
• Humanitarian Relief
• Relief Fund for future disasters

Peace, justice and non-violence—a movement for social transformation toward a culture of peace:

• Peace Research Institute (at the University)
• Peace Radio, other publications
• Workshops, mediation, trauma healing, AVP, listening
• Restorative justice movement
• Peace curriculum through the Ministry of Education
• Training for non-violent direct action for social change

Advocacy

• Establish an organization which can organize the Friends voice on Public Policy matters
• Build the capacity of Friends to be involved in the civic agenda at all levels
• Use the model of QUNO "quiet diplomacy"

Spiritual development of the Peace Testimony

• Review and improve the content of the membership class curricula
• Strengthen the peace and justice programmes at Friends Theological College

Organizational capacity:

• National Management Committee—develop institutional capacity
• Network with other peace organizations in Kenya and around the world

Resources
Friends United Meeting and Friends World Committee for Consultation are both active in raising overseas funds for relief and reconstruction. The Conference urges all Kenyans to raise local funds and to deposit them into the account of Friends United Meeting. [Note to FRIENDS JOURNAL readers: Please consult with Friends United Meeting (info@fum.org) regarding the appropriate channel for individual contributions within your country. —Eds.] All money will be used efficiently and effectively, with transparency and integrity.

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This is a feature article from the
March 2008 issue of Friends Journal.

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