Kenyan members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will in a few weeks' time, join their fellow citizens in electing government leaders to lead the country for the next five years.
According to Mormon.org, “Our faith in God motivates us to be conscientious citizens of our country, state and town. If we keep the big picture in mind, we remember that we're all sons and daughters of God—literal brothers and sisters. By doing our best to be good citizens, we are making the world around us a more beautiful, peaceful and fair place for our own families and our fellow human beings.” Thus members of the Church join other citizens in contributing to the righteous governance of their countries.
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Despite this belief, it is also important to remember the Church position on party politics and elections. The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is not involved in electing politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.
The Church Does Not: (1) Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms; (2) allow its Church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes; (3) attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to; (4) attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church Does: (1) Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections; (2) expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters; (3) request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church; (4) reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
We hope all Kenyans will be able to exercise their democratic rights and to conduct themselves civilly during this election.