By Wesley Omondi
NAIROBI, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 (CISA)—President William Ruto has responded to criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who accused his administration of fostering a “culture of lies,” corruption, and failure to address critical national issues. Speaking at Tangaza University’s graduation ceremony in Nairobi on Friday, November 10, Ruto called for honesty and constructive dialogue in public discourse.
“Even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing,” the President said, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
The bishops, led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, had issued a statement a day earlier, criticizing the government for unfulfilled promises and misplaced priorities. They highlighted concerns over high taxation, youth unemployment, gaps in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the government’s transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We have made clear statements many times in the recent past, with very little response from the government. Despite the calmness we are experiencing, there is a lot of anxiety, and most people are losing trust in the government,” Archbishop Muhatia stated.
The bishops also condemned internal political divisions within the government, warning that such wrangling was deepening societal divisions and creating mistrust among citizens. The Church leaders urged political leaders to prioritize the needs of Kenyans over personal interests.
“The political wrangles in the government have generated unwarranted tensions and deepened divisions among our people. Further, it has created an environment of mistrust among citizens and within the government itself,” Muhatia remarked.
The bishops expressed concern over unpaid NHIF arrears owed to faith-based hospitals, amounting to billions of shillings. They questioned the newly established SHA, which has sparked uncertainty regarding healthcare funding and access.
“This reneging on promises to clear arrears is troubling, especially for institutions that serve the most vulnerable. The transition to SHA must ensure continuity and clarity in healthcare services,” they added.
The clergy also criticized the government’s perceived laxity in combating corruption and addressing cases of abductions, disappearances, and killings allegedly linked to security forces. They called for a more robust approach to safeguard Kenyans’ lives and rights.
Ruto, while not directly addressing these allegations, emphasized the need for all leaders, including the clergy, to work collaboratively in the service of Kenyans.
“We are all united in the service of the people. That is why we are working with all leaders,the clergy included, towards a Kenya we can all be proud of. But even as we seek to hold each other accountable, we must endeavor to be constructive and factual,” the President said.
As President Ruto seeks to steer his administration through these criticisms, the call for transparent and accountable leadership remains at the forefront of national dialogue.
