In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- President Ruto urged leaders and citizens to stick to facts in public discourse after Catholic bishops accused his administration of dishonesty, corruption, and unfulfilled promises.
- The bishops criticized the government for high taxation, political wrangles, unmet health funding obligations, and laxity in addressing corruption and human rights abuses.
President William Ruto has responded to criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who accused his administration of promoting a “culture of lies” and failing to fulfill key promises affecting Kenyans.
Speaking on Friday during the graduation ceremony at Tangaza University in Nairobi, the President urged leaders, clergy, and citizens to remain factual in public discourse, warning against hypocrisy in addressing national issues.
“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,” Ruto stated during his address.
Read Also:
Catholic Bishops Call on Ruto Administration to End ‘Culture of Lies’
President Ruto Set to Deliver State of the Nation Address
Busia Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Partner to Death
His remark, delivered with a subtle tone, drew laughter and apparent agreement from the audience when he added, “I know you know what I mean.”
The bishops, led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, had on Thursday criticized the government for what they described as a deeply ingrained culture of dishonesty, corruption, broken promises, and misplaced priorities.
They pointed out pressing issues such as high taxation, rising unemployment, challenges in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and concerns over the transition from the National Hospital 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,” Muhatia noted.
The clergy further accused politicians of prioritizing self-interest and engaging in political wrangles that risk polarizing the nation.
They warned that the infighting within the government has created unnecessary tensions, deepened divisions, and fostered an environment of mistrust among citizens and government officials alike.
Adding to their grievances, the bishops highlighted the government’s failure to clear billions in arrears owed to faith-based hospitals under the NHIF and questioned the effectiveness of the newly established SHA.
They also expressed concern over the government’s perceived laxity in combating corruption and addressing human rights violations, including abductions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated by security personnel.
The exchange underscores growing tension between the government and religious leaders over issues affecting the country’s governance and public trust.