NCCK North Rift Delegates Issue Strong Call for Peace, Accountability and National Renewal at Eldoret Forum
” Psalms 10:13–15 says that God will call the wicked to account for their deeds. This means that we will be held accountable for any wrongdoing,” Chemengich added.
NCCK Delegates led by Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich, issuing a press statement at the RCEA Training Canter in Eldoret. Photo/Courtesy
By Cynthia Ochieng.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya delegates representing the North Rift have convened for a two-day forum at the RCEA Conference and Training Centre in Eldoret to deliberate on the nation’s electoral and governance landscape.
The meeting brought together church leaders and representatives from Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.
The delegates, led by NCCK North Rift region Chairperson, Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich,issued a comprehensive statement addressing key national concerns after reflections on the current state of the nation and projected possible future scenarios.
Condolences for Victims of Landslides and Floods
The clergy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property following recent landslides and floods in Elgeyo Marakwet County, that left 39 people dead and hundreds of people displaced.
They called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to treat insecurity in Kerio Valley with urgency, as insecurity has forced residents to settle on unsafe escarpments, exposing them to environmental hazards.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we share our condolences with all the families that have lost loved ones in the landslides and floods that have affected Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia counties. May God grant them peace and consolation at this very difficult moment in your lives. We are also praying for quick and full recovery of all who were injured in the disasters. On our part, we have mobilized our churches in the region to provide emergency support to the survivors as they struggle to rebuild their lives,” said Chemengich.
The NCCK urged the government to relocate families living in high-risk zones and encouraged county governments to undertake large-scale tree planting initiatives to prevent future disasters. They also appealed for an immediate ban on charcoal burning to preserve the region’s remaining forest cover.
Gratitude for Bountiful Harvests
The forum noted with appreciation the favourable weather conditions that have led to abundant crop yields and livestock pasture across the North Rift.
The delegates thanked both levels of government for providing subsidized farm inputs but called for wider access to the support to benefit all farmers.
They further urged the National Cereals and Produce Board to set competitive prices for farm produce, encouraged farmers to embrace value addition, and called for enhanced climate action through tree planting and sustainable land use.
Call to Address Insecurity in the North Rift
The leaders of NCCK expressed concern about the persistent bandit attacks in the Kerio Valley and along the borders of Turkana, Pokot, and Marakwet counties.
Citing Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” – they urged the Ministry of Interior to dismantle networks fueling insecurity and to prosecute perpetrators.
“There are rising cases of goonism and organized crimes in different counties that are threatening social cohesion and peaceful living. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration should use its instruments to track down persons and systems that drive insecurity and deal with them according to the law” stated Chemengich
They also appealed to civil society groups to intensify peacebuilding efforts through community reconciliation, youth sensitization, and peace messaging in churches and local forums.
Restoring Hope with Economic Renewal
The council raised alarm over escalating unemployment, worsening poverty, and the growing sense of hopelessness among citizens, particularly the youth.
They warned that economic desperation was pushing many into crime and making them vulnerable to political manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The church leaders urged the government to reduce heavy taxation, attract and retain investors, curb corruption, and promote value addition in agriculture and manufacturing. They also called for youth mentorship and skills training programs to restore dignity and productivity among young people.
Stop Early Campaigns and Hate Speech
The NCCK further condemned politicians who have started early campaigns characterized by hate speech and incitement, warning that such rhetoric erodes peace and national cohesion.
They demanded that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Judiciary take firm action against leaders who propagate divisive politics.
” Psalms 10:13–15 says that God will call the wicked to account for their deeds. This means that we will be held accountable for any wrongdoing,” Chemengich added.
Keep Politics Away from the Pulpit
NCCK issued a strong directive to the clergy including equal treatment of worshippers, handling donations as regular offerings without publicity, barring politicians from addressing congregants during services, and maintaining neutrality by avoiding political endorsements.
Curb Rising Non-Communicable Diseases
The council expressed concern over the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart ailments, noting that unhealthy diets and misleading food labelling are to blame.
They called on the government to declare NCDs a national emergency, introduce front-of-pack warning labels on unhealthy foods, and regulate advertisements targeting children or aired during family viewing hours.
Call for Hope and National Renewal
In their closing message, the North Rift NCCK delegates urged Kenyans to remain hopeful and united, quoting Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”
They called upon leaders at all levels to restore faith and hope in communities, to encourage peace, and to strive for a nation that is just, prosperous, and united.
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