Religious leaders have been urged to make national values part of their sermons as Kenya’s anti-corruption campaign seeks wider public support.
On 20 November 2018, Archbishop Stephen Marete of the National Independent Church of Africa said in Nairobi that teaching education and national values in places of worship was important if the country was to mount a stronger joint response to corruption.
He spoke during a Multi Sectoral Initiative conference that brought together representatives from government, trade unions, civil society and the media.
In a joint statement, the leaders said most Kenyans identify as religious and therefore faith leaders could be the point at which visible social change begins.
The statement also expressed confidence in the Inter Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), saying it had the reach from national level to the grassroots to help drive change and maintain a firm position against corruption.
Separately, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on September 26, 2018 adopted a study guide titled Integrity: A Weapon Against Corruption as part of its anti-graft efforts. The Bible Study Guide was launched in partnership with the Inter-Religious Sector on Wednesday.
EPSA Foundation Chair Lee Karuri said the discussions covered different forms of corruption and were aimed at getting every person involved in ending graft.
Sheikh Mohammed of SUPKEM said religious differences should not obscure shared moral values. He added that integrity, honesty and personal responsibility apply across religion, creed and skin colour.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also repeatedly said the fight against corruption will be his biggest legacy.
Nyakundi Report notes that the anti-graft messaging from faith leaders, the EACC and political leadership was presented in 2018 as part of a broader push to widen public participation in the fight against corruption.
