By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 (CISA) – In a bold statement, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has condemned President William Ruto’s government for perpetuating corruption, fostering an environment of violence, and failing to address the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
In a statement delivered on November 14 during their plenary at the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Clergy Home, the bishops called on the administration to address critical national issues and warned against continued suppression of dissent.
A Call for Peace Amid Political Tensions
The bishops opened their statement by expressing gratitude for the general peace in Kenya, especially given the conflicts raging in other parts of Africa and beyond. They commended the government for its efforts to maintain order but emphasized that peace must not come at the expense of justice and citizens’ rights.
“We continue to pray for peace and stability within our borders and for our brothers and sisters living in unstable environments in many parts of the world,” they noted.
Alarm Over Political Wrangles and Self-Interest
The bishops raised concerns about the ongoing political infighting within the government, which saw the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The bishops said the wrangles and unhealthy politics have only deepened divisions and eroded public trust.
“The political wrangles in the government have generated unwarranted tensions and deepened divisions among our people,” the bishops stated. They condemned elected leaders for prioritizing personal interests over their constitutional duties, describing their actions as betraying the citizens who entrusted them with power.
Highlighting rampant corruption, the bishops criticized the regime for misuse of public office for personal gain and urged both political leaders and state officials to uphold integrity.
“We are troubled by the heightened insensitivity and irresponsibility in carrying out their tasks, allowing themselves to be captured and compromised in corrupt deals,” the bishops declared. They underscored that corruption extends beyond financial misconduct to include the abuse of authority, which is increasingly prevalent in government dealings.
Violation of Human Rights and Freedom of Speech
The bishops expressed deep concern over reports of abductions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. They condemned the suppression of free speech, particularly targeting those who criticized the government by people believed to be government operatives.
“We are appalled by the recurring incidents of abductions, torture, and killings of Kenyans,” the bishops said.
“Many families are still grappling with the loss of their children who were brutally killed, injured, or went missing following the ‘GenZ demonstrations’ in June 2024,” stated the prelates, questioning whether the government is either unwilling or unable to protect its citizens, urging adherence to Article 26 of the Kenyan Constitution, which protects the right to life.
Perpetuation of Lies and Erosion of Integrity
The bishops did not hold back in their condemnation of the government, accusing it of consistently misleading the public and failing to uphold the truth.
“The culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve. Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the government says,” the bishops declared. They emphasized that Kenyans have become passive recipients of political falsehoods, urging citizens to stop validating these lies and to seek the truth instead.
The bishops urged the public to critically evaluate the government’s actions and resist the normalization of dishonesty in public discourse.
“Unfortunately, it seems that Kenyans have helplessly tolerated the lies told to them constantly by politicians. Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that politicians tell them, but rather must resolve to seek and be led by the truth,” they asserted.
Healthcare Sector: A Broken Promise
The bishops specifically highlighted the government’s failure to deliver on its promises in the healthcare sector, focusing on the crisis surrounding the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). They noted that faith-based hospitals, which provide essential services to marginalized communities, are owed billions in unpaid dues. This debt, they argued, is threatening the survival of these critical healthcare providers.
“When the government fails to fulfil its promises, particularly concerning payments to essential service providers, it harms vulnerable communities,” the bishops stated. “This is the case with NHIF, where the neglect of Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) hospitals has left many of these institutions on the brink of collapse due to billions in unpaid dues.”
The bishops emphasized that for months, they have appealed to the government to release these funds, even raising the issue in direct meetings with President Ruto. They warned that if the issue is not addressed, faith-based health facilities may no longer be able to provide affordable care to those most in need.
Opposition to Proposed Extension of Elected Terms
The bishops also voiced their disapproval of a proposed bill to extend the terms of elected leaders from five to seven years. They argued that the current five-year limit is sufficient for any leader to leave a meaningful legacy.
“It is baffling that a bill proposing an extension of the five-year term to seven years is being considered,” the bishops said. “A visionary leader does not need extra years to make a significant impact. We must critically scrutinize the motives behind this retrogressive move.”
The Burden of Overtaxation on Citizens
The bishops criticized the government’s excessive taxation policies, accusing it of reintroducing unpopular measures from the rejected Finance Bill 2024 through the Tax Amendment Bill 2024.
“Kenyans are being unreasonably overtaxed,” they stated. “We are concerned by the continuous emergence of new tax regimes, which appear to be a hidden way of reintroducing previously rejected financial policies.”
In the statement, the bishops called upon Kenyan leaders to embrace values of justice, humility, and honesty. They urged citizens to remain vigilant and not be swayed by political falsehoods.
