Archbishop Joseph Ole Sapit

Clergy Call for Calm

Leaders from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) have urged Kenya’s young anti-government protesters to pause their demonstrations. Archbishop Joseph Ole Sapit and other clergy members asked for patience, emphasizing the need to allow President William Ruto time to address their concerns.

Recognition of Protesters’ Impact

Archbishop Ole Sapit acknowledged the significant impact of the protests on the Kenya Kwanza administration. Their actions led to the dismissal of several Cabinet members and the removal of former Police Inspector General Japhet Koome. This response highlighted the strength of their cause.

Request for Patience

Despite the progress, Ole Sapit emphasized that Ruto needs additional time to address the grievances raised during the protests. At the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, he appealed to protesters to suspend their demonstrations. The Archbishop noted that Ruto had already started addressing some issues, including:

• The removal of Cabinet Secretaries.
• Signing the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law.
• The resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IG).

“We appeal to protesters to suspend protests and give the government time to attend to the raft of demands,” Ole Sapit said. He urged the public to avoid actions that might undermine the future they are striving for.

Church’s Role in Monitoring

Ole Sapit assured that the church would monitor and report on the progress made by the government. The clergy promised to demand that commitments made by the administration are fully implemented. This commitment aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

Call for Swift Action

Ole Sapit also called on President Ruto to expedite the implementation of additional demands. These include:

• Cutting government expenditures and reducing the wage bill.
• Downsizing the government.
• Prioritizing essential services.
• Freezing local and foreign accounts of corruption suspects.

“In the next week, the government must provide an implementation matrix for these demands. This plan should be available for public scrutiny,” he urged. He emphasized that promises of job creation for youth need to be supported by concrete actions.

Opposition to New Taxes and Levies

The Archbishop voiced strong opposition to recent tax measures. He criticized the newly introduced housing levy and the increased fuel levy. According to Ole Sapit, these taxes lack value and place a burden on taxpayers.

“We demand that the government halt further imposition of these taxes,” he said. He argued that the public does not see the benefits of these schemes.

Higher Education Funding Concerns

Ole Sapit also addressed the current university funding model. He criticized it for making higher education less accessible to deserving students. The Archbishop recommended a thorough review of the funding model to ensure fairness and equity.

“We recommend revising the funding model to promote inclusivity and equity,” he stated. This recommendation aims to improve access to education for all students.

Integrity in Appointments

Finally, Ole Sapit called on Ruto to ensure that future Cabinet nominees are individuals of high integrity and merit. He urged the President to use merit and proven track records as criteria for appointments.

“Let the President heed the voice of Kenyans and appoint Cabinet members based on integrity and competence,” Ole Sapit said. He stressed that rewarding political allies and cronies should be avoided.

Archbishop Ole Sapit’s call for patience and his recommendations highlight the importance of constructive dialogue and accountability. The ACK clergy’s stance reflects a desire for a balanced approach to addressing public grievances while allowing the government time to act. The Archbishop’s messages underscore the need for transparency, fair governance, and thoughtful policy implementation as Kenya navigates its current challenges.