Africa-Press – Kenya. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on religious organisations to partner with the government in encouraging Kenyans to register as voters.
Mudavadi said faith-based institutions could play a crucial role in consolidating the country’s democratic gains.
Speaking at the Mega Prayer Dedication Assembly organised by the Global Cathedral Church at the KICC COMESA Grounds, Mudavadi emphasised the potential of religious bodies to enhance civic education and strengthen democratic institutions.
“I encourage the Global Cathedral Church and other religious organisations to partner with the government in consolidating the democratic gains by actively promoting voter registration,” Mudavadi said.
He further urged churches to support and pray for a strong Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), highlighting the need for integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
“We all look to religious organisations to continue enhancing political ethics, peace and tolerance,” he added.
Mudavadi also urged faith-based organisations to promote social values, particularly among young people, by speaking out against drug abuse, alcoholism, crime, and violence.
He noted that the Church in Kenya has extended its role beyond spiritual guidance to contribute meaningfully in areas such as health and education, thereby supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Addressing the humanitarian situation, Mudavadi highlighted the ongoing drought affecting parts of Kenya and the East African region.
“Currently some parts of our country and the region are facing devastating drought occasioned by the shortest rainfall recorded since 1981. An estimated 2.5 million citizens are at risk of severe hunger and water scarcity if the drought persists,” he said.
The National Drought Management Authority reports that 10 counties, mainly in North and Eastern Kenya, are experiencing drought, with Mandera in the critical “alarm” phase.
He also noted that neighbouring countries including Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, are facing similar conditions.
Mudavadi urged religious organisations to support government-led humanitarian and food security initiatives.
He further requested prayers for the first cohort of senior secondary learners under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) as they adapt to their new learning environment.
The PCS also drew attention to regional conflicts, noting the ongoing humanitarian crises in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“In Sudan over 12 million people have been displaced, with over 9 million IDPs and an estimated four million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries,” he said. “Let us also remember in our prayers the people of South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially children, who are enduring immense suffering from ongoing violent conflicts.”
Mudavadi further appealed for collective action from religious organisations, the private sector, and the international community to address these pressing humanitarian, educational, and civic challenges in Kenya and the region.
