In a recent public address, President William Ruto has countered claims made by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) regarding the prevalence of a “culture of lies” within his administration.
The bishops accused his government of failing to meet its obligations on pressing issues that significantly affect the Kenyan populace.While attending the graduation ceremony at Tangaza University in Nairobi, Ruto called on political leaders, clergy, and citizens to remain grounded in truth during public discussions. He warned that
“individuals can easily become victims of the very allegations they make against others. As we engage in important dialogues about the issues that impact the people of Kenya, it is essential to base our statements on factual information, so we do not fall into the same traps we attribute to others,”.
President Ruto
This response came a day after the KCCB, led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, openly criticized Ruto’s government for what they claim is a deeply rooted culture of deceit, corruption, unmet promises, and poor priorities.
The bishops expressed their concern that the political elite have largely ignored crucial issues raised by citizens, including taxation, unemployment, deficiencies in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and questions surrounding the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA). Archbishop Muhatia highlighted,
“Despite our repeated appeals, there has been a lack of meaningful engagement from the government. While the current environment may seem calm, underlying anxiety is palpable, leading to a diminishing trust in governmental institutions.”
The religious leaders also took aim at local politicians, criticizing them for prioritizing personal power over the welfare of the nation. Archbishop Muhatia articulated,
“Ongoing political conflicts within the government have created unnecessary strife and deepened divisions among our people. This has resulted in a climate of mistrust not only among citizens but also within the government itself.”
Additionally, the bishops voiced their discontent regarding the government’s failure to honor its commitment to pay off debts amounting to billions owed to faith-based hospitals through the NHIF and raised concerns about the significance of the newly formed SHA.
The clergy further lamented the apparent complacency in the fight against corruption and the alarming incidents of abductions, disappearances, and violence against citizens by security personnel.
As the dialogue between the government and the church continues, it remains crucial for all parties to prioritize transparency and accountability to foster trust among the Kenyan people.
