The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2023 by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) jointly with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
The nomination of NCCK is intended to draw attention to their tireless work to address the global threats to democratic government and voting rights. According to AFSC’s nominating letter sent January 23, 2023, “We are nominating this organization, for their work in building democracies, supporting the human right to representation by government, and working towards a better organized and peaceful world.”
“NCCK heartily thanks the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) for the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize 2023,” said Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, General Secretary of NCCK. “This being the first nomination of a faith-based organization, it underscores the necessity of promoting and protecting democracy by working for civil rights, empowering citizens for participation, and advocating for laws and policies that safeguard peace and prosperity of all.”
Founded in 1913, NCCK is made up of Christian churches and organizations that for more than a century have worked for the civil rights of Kenyans through broadening democratic space, access to education, rehabilitation of soldiers into civil society, and speaking up against any form of state violence.
“For more than 100 years, the NCCK has been a leader, catalyst and agent of transforming lives of Kenyans for a just, resilient and sustainable society, being fully committed to the motto “For Wananchi,” said Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui the NCCK General Secretary. “Coming shortly after the overwhelmingly peaceful General Elections and transition in 2022, the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize affirms the truth of the word which tells us that ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward’ (Colossians 3: 231).”
“The NCCK has made an invaluable contribution to the democratization of Kenya, reintroduction of multi party politics, overhaul of the Constitution of Kenya, elections observation, peace building, safeguarding of human rights of citizens, and promoted dialogue and mediation, healing and reconciliation.”
In the 2022 General Election, NCCK was actively involved in electoral observation and peace building especially during the tallying of votes at the BOMAS of Kenya.
