NCCK North Rift Chapter Appeals to President Ruto on Heavy Taxation and Corruption
For how long will individuals who glorify corruption by displaying opulence and impunity without punishment continue?” Chemmengech questioned.
By Faith Mukhwana
Bishop Emmanuel Chemmengech, Chairman of the National Council of Churches (NCCK) North Rift region, has issued a fervent appeal to President William Ruto to address the heavy taxation burden on Kenyans and to take decisive action against corruption.
His statements came during a press conference following a two-day induction workshop held by the NCCK in the North Rift region.
“Your Excellency, we in the NCCK North Rift region recognize that the pain and suffering among the people of Kenya have been driven by corruption and weak enforcement of the law,” said Chemmengech. He highlighted the severe difficulties that Kenyans have endured over the past five years, emphasizing the community’s struggle to recover and their reliance on faith for prosperity.
Chemmengech urged President Ruto to revise the Finance Bill 2024, addressing major concerns and drafting a new version aimed at providing hope and opportunities for a better life. He stressed the importance of tackling corruption, which he identified as a root cause of the protests by Gen Zs, who are reacting to the wastage of natural resources through corrupt practices that have resulted in unemployment and unequal opportunities.
“The persistent failure to visibly punish corruption has turned it from a vice to be avoided into a skill to be cherished. For how long will individuals who glorify corruption by displaying opulence and impunity without punishment continue?” Chemmengech questioned.
In addition to addressing corruption, Chemmengech called on President Ruto to listen to the voices of Kenyans. He urged the President to instruct security forces to cease violence, unwarranted arrests, and kidnappings, advocating against the use of excessive force on demonstrators and the disruption of peaceful assemblies.
Chemmengech also emphasized the need for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), citing delays that have raised concerns among Kenyans. He urged Parliament to expedite the completion of this process.
In his concluding remarks, Chemmengech encouraged President Ruto to “love everyone and do good to all,” calling for a compassionate and inclusive approach to governance.
The NCCK North Rift region’s appeal underscores the widespread demand for reform and the urgent need for the government to address the pressing issues facing the nation following the ongoing anti -finance bill protests.
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