NCIC urges Kenyans to dedicate Thursday as national day of reflection, forgiveness

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has urged Kenyans to set aside Thursday as a national day dedicated to repentance, forgiveness, and redemption.

The call comes in response to the country's growing socio-political and economic challenges, which NCIC believes have strained Kenya's social fabric.

In its appeal on Tuesday, the NCIC asked the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and the National Council of Elders to lead the nation in observing the day.

According to NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia, the commission is deeply troubled by the current state of the country, which is marked by political divisions, social unrest, and economic uncertainty.

"As we reflect on our journey together as a people, let us remember that we have come a long way in the struggle for and since gaining independence. What has been unravelling in the recent past has negatively affected the social fabric and cohesion of the society," Kobia said.

The NCIC boss stressed that it is time for Kenyans to reflect on their shared journey as a nation.

He emphasised the importance of revisiting critical moments in Kenya's history to understand how the nation reached its current state.

Healing and reconciliation

He called for this reflection to lead to solutions that foster unity, healing and reconciliation.

"It is critical to ask ourselves; where did the rain start beating us? When did the threads that bind us as a nation begin to fray? Like a healing river, these questions urge us to delve into the roots of our current state and seek solutions that promote cohesion, unity, healing, and reconciliation," Kobia added.

The NCIC also proposed that the IRCK create spaces and time for prayer and reflection on October 10.

Kobia suggested that this could serve as a moment for Kenyans to deeply contemplate where the country stands today and where it should be heading.

"Together, let us embark on this profound journey of soul searching as we envision a future where every Kenyan feels valued, heard, and included. Like the waters of a healing river, our unity can wash away the barriers that divide us," Kobia noted.

The commission emphasised that by coming together in the spirit of reconciliation, Kenyans can build a strong foundation for a united and harmonious nation.

Kobia urged the country to reflect on and uphold national values, which include patriotism, national unity, democracy, devolution of power, and the participation of the people in governance.