Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come out to allay the simmering beef between the Kenya Kwanza administration and the Catholic church following their hard-hitting statement released on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Speaking at a church service in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, November 17, 2024, DP Kindiki told the nation that President William Ruto’s administration is not at war with the clergy.
On the contrary to what other Kenya Kwanza leaders have been saying and throwing tantrums, Kindiki admitted that Ruto’s government can make mistakes.
To calm the storm, Kindiki added that the government is open to criticism which would catapult Ruto’s administration to bring meaningful development to the country.
The second in command emphasised that Kenyans and even civil rights groups are open to criticising the government.
“Sisi Ambayo tuko na nafasi za uongozi tukiongozwa na raise, serikali yetu haina vita and makanisa. Serikali za ulimwengu zinaongozwa na binadamu na ako na kasoro, na tuko tayari kupokea maoni ya wananchi na makanisa na vikundi visivyo vya serikali na maoni yatasaidia kujenga taifa letu.”
“Us in leadership positions led by President William Ruto, we are not at war with the church. All government are led by human being who are open to making mistakes, but we are ready to receive people’s views even that from the churches and other non-governmental organisations which will help to build the country,” Kindiki told Kirinyaga residents where he attended a church service.
While insisting that the government has to deliver based on its manifesto, Kindiki assured the citizenry that does not mean they are opposed to dissenting views.
“We want Unity and being united doesn’t mean we won’t have different views… as a country, we have a good future,” Kindiki insisted.
His sentiments come after a section of Ruto’s allies called out the catholic church which blasted the government for promoting a culture of lies, unkept promises, abductions and misplaced priorities.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi pointed an accusing finger at Bishop Anthony Muheria, attracting mixed reactions from Kenyans.
Where was Muheria when bodies were turning up in River Yala during Uhuru’s regime?
Where was he when the economy was spiralling downwards? pic.twitter.com/spIKA2vRcT
— Hon Oscar Sudi (@HonOscarSudi) November 14, 2024
Ruto on his side called on the church to criticise him but factually.
Kindiki echoes Uhuru calls for unity
At the same time, Kindiki appealed to Kenyans to remain united. He also challenged the leaders to put aside their interests and support the Kenya Kwanza administration in fulfilling its promises.
He echoed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s words who on Saturday, November 16, 2024, made a rare public appearance in Embu and asked the leaders to remain united and shun divisive politics.
“Jana Uhuru alitwambia mambo mawili, Kenya hii nchi moja na sisi ni kitu kimoja… Let us build our country and we will work hard and Kenya will be a better place… We must remain a united people,” Kindiki insisted.
While calling for unity, Kindiki further assured the country that the government is keen to slay the dragon of corruption in the country.