Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
23 September 2005
Nyeri — The State should not use public resources or direct civil servants how to vote when Kenya's draft constitution is put to the referendum on November 21, 2005.
The Most Rev John Njue, Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri, also said that politicians should stop inciting Kenyans as they go about their campaigns.
The Archbishop was talking to CISA concerning escalating violence that has characterized campaign rallies as politicians crisscross the country to woo voters to their side.
"What we are seeing now is not any more a campaign towards the referendum, but politics," Archbishop Njue told CISA. "This is a diversion from the real issue."
"Let Kenyans not be taken for a ride by selfish politicians. Our appeal is to politicians to stop the incitement and focus on educating the people," he said, adding that it is unfortunate that politicians have turned such a noble task into pure political game.
The Archbishop, who is also the Administrator for Isiolo Vicariate, said that the referendum should not be postponed as is being suggested in some circles, since there were ample opportunities given earlier, but which were not utilised.
He also said civil servants should be left free to decide which way to vote: "The referendum is an issue that involves everyone in Kenya. If you isolate [civil servants] then how will they end up?" he posed.
The government, which is pushing for a 'yes' vote, announced on Thursday, September 22, 2005, that the referendum exercise is a "government project" and state resources and public servants would be utilised to that end.
Some organs proposed in the draft, like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, could be causing anxiety for some politicians, the Archbishop said.
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