By Paschal Norbert
MACHAKOS, MARCH 20, 2026 (CISA)-The Chairperson of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, has issued a stern rebuke to Kenya’s political leadership, condemning the rising trend of public insults and calling for restraint, decorum, and dignity in national discourse.
Speaking during the reception and installation of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Archbishop Muhatia sharply criticized the ongoing verbal exchanges between President William Ruto and opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua.
He faulted the two leaders for engaging in repeated public spats marked by personal attacks, including family references, body shaming, and utterances he described as unbefitting of national leaders.
The prelate termed the exchanges “a public shame and stain on the country,” noting that such conduct degrades the dignity of the high offices entrusted to them by Kenyans.
In a strongly worded address, Archbishop Muhatia warned that the leaders’ behaviour is not only damaging to their own credibility but is also eroding public trust and setting a dangerous precedent for society. He observed that citizens across all age groups, children, youth, and adults, have been exposed to what he described as “unpresidential language” during political engagements across the country.
“We are deeply concerned about what is going on in the country. We want to call for restraint and decorum in public speaking. I appeal to leaders, especially political leaders, to exercise restraint,” Archbishop Muhatia said.
He emphasized the psychological and moral impact of such rhetoric on the younger generation, stating: “The children listening to you are shocked. The young people listening to you are traumatized because, in you, they see the collapse of their aspirations for leadership. The adults listening to you are embarrassed. You are a poor representation of our generation, and we are struggling to identify with you.”
The KCCB Chairperson underscored that public insults among leaders extend beyond personal attacks and amount to disrespect toward the citizenry.
“When you publicly insult each other in front of citizens, you do not just disrespect one another, you also disrespect the citizens. That is the message you are sending us. Not everything that crosses your mind must be spoken,” he stated.
Calling for accountability and discipline in speech, Archbishop Muhatia reminded leaders of their responsibility to the nation.
“Please exercise restraint. This country belongs to more than 50 million Kenyans, not just to yourselves. The verbal indiscipline we are witnessing is indicative of something even more troubling,” he said.
He further urged leaders to uphold mutual respect despite political differences, saying “Let us respect one another as we respect our brothers and sisters. You can disagree with people without insulting them. Disagreement is acceptable, but public insults are a disgrace.”
In a rare moment of sharp rhetoric, the Archbishop expressed public frustration, saying: “Give us a break. If you must insult each other, find a bunker somewhere underground. Go there, just the two of you, and insult each other.”
He, however, called on the leaders to refocus their energy on national development once their disputes are settled.
“When you are done, come back and join us in nation-building. We love our country, and we respect our leaders, but not when you behave in this manner. You are embarrassing this great nation, Kenya,” said the prelate.
The Archbishop’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and increasingly confrontational rhetoric in public forums, raising concerns among religious leaders and civil society over the tone and direction of national discourse.
