Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned Kenya Kwanza leaders against disrespecting Catholic bishops.
Speaking on Sunday, November 17, 2024, Gachagua warned those in power against misusing their power and trying to silence the men of the cloth.
“I saw Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei lecturing Catholic bishops like children. Mimi nataka niwaambie viongozi wacheni kiburi…Nyingi mnaweza kuona mko na nguvu na mamlaka sana mpaka mnakosea maaskofu wetu heshima, but be very careful,” Gachagua stated.
This comes a few days after leaders from the government issued a series condemning Catholic bishops who called out the government over its excesses.
Bishops’ statement
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on November 14, 2024, accused the government of rampant greed and unethical behaviour.
“We are troubled by politicians’ heightened insensitivity and irresponsibility in their duties, allowing themselves to be compromised in corrupt deals. The massive greed we’re witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking,” they stated.
“There are plans to rush the bill through legislation. A two-term limit of 10 years is adequate, we should scrutinize this political move.”
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that the bishops lacked facts when they delivered the critical statement.
Mwaura said: “Tuzungumze tukiwa an takwimu sahihi. Kenya inasonga mbele kwa njia nzuri zaidi na watu wanafaidika.” (Let us speak with the correct information. Kenya is headed in the right direction, and people are benefiting).
President William Ruto also responded to the criticism while presiding over a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University on Friday, November 15, 2024, noting that the clergy should be factual.
“I urge all leaders, including the clergy, to work together toward building a nation we can all be proud of. Even as we discuss important national issues, we must remain factual to avoid falling into the same traps we accuse others of,” Ruto said.