Church leaders on Sunday, February 26, faulted the government on what it termed as continued politicking way past the campaign period.
Through the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the leaders urged the government to desist from campaigns and address pressing issues facing Kenyans.
On top of the demand list by the Church leaders was the need for President William Ruto’s government to address the high cost of living.
“We should now start working for Kenyans and not engage in activities that can set the country on fire because of the words we speak.
“In regard to that, NCCK has noted that the people of Kenya are suffering from the spiralling cost of living,” the Council stated in part.
NCCK further faulted the government for what it termed an exorbitant increase in consumer goods and product prices.
“While the price of basic commodities has skyrocketed, taxation is now more than what citizens can bear,” NCCK lamented.
The council observed that setting up business in Kenya was no longer friendly because over-taxation greatly reduced profits.
“We call the government to take necessary measures to reduce taxation and make the cost of living favourable and friendly to all,” the leaders urged Ruto.
Lastly, the church urged the government to take drastic measures to mitigate the adverse effects of famine and drought.
“We request the government to declare the ongoing famine and drought as a national disaster because we are not expecting harvest earlier than July 2023,” NCCK requested Ruto’s government.
By declaring famine and drought a national disaster, NCCK revealed that it would attract donations nationally and internationally.
The statement by NCCK came days after Ruto revealed that he was working on reducing the price of basic commodities.
On Wednesday, February 22, the President revealed that prices of a 2kg packet of maize flour would soon retail at Ksh120.
“The opposition had five years of handshake and price of maize flour skyrocketed to Ksh230.
“My government has been able to reduce the price to Ksh180. Soon we will lower it to Ksh140 and finally Ksh120,” Ruto promised Kenyans during the launch of the Nairobi River Commission at Korogocho in Nairobi.
