The bishops raised fault regarding the political wrangles in the Government which have generated unwarranted tensions and deepened divisions among Kenyans
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14 showed no mercy to President William Ruto’s administration, listing six concerns ranging from rampant corruption to selfish interests, over-taxation and unkept promises.
Addressing the press in Ruaraka Sub-County, Nairobi County, the bishops raised fault regarding the political wrangles in the Government which have generated unwarranted tensions and deepened divisions among Kenyans and created an environment of mistrust among the citizens and within the Government itself. This was prominently the case in the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President.
Further, the bishops tore into political leaders misusing their mandate despite enjoying salaries that very few of their counterparts on Earth would benefit on their side. “The elected leaders have been mandated to fulfil roles conferred to them by the Constitution. They are among the highest-paid legislators in the world,” the bishops said in a statement.
“We are troubled by their heightened insensitivity and irresponsibility in carrying out their tasks, allowing themselves to be captured and compromised in corrupt deals. Corruption may not always involve financial benefits, but the unjust use of position and authority, or abuse of office. The massive greed we are witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking,” they held nothing back.
President William Ruto meets Kenyan Catholic bishops at State House, Nairobi, on June 28, 2024. /PCS
KCCB turned towards President Ruto’s government, expressing its appallment for the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans as well as decried the increasing murder of women, all of which have caused great consternation, anger and disgust.
“Many families are still grappling with the loss of their children who were brutally killed, injured, or went missing following what is referred to as “GenZ demonstrations” in June 2024. Many of these victims had raised concerns about the rampant corruption within and outside the Government. Who is abducting these people, and is the Government unable to stop these abductions and killings?” they sternly posed, reminding the government of its duty to protect the life of every human person in Kenya in line with the Constitution of Kenya regulations in Article 26 and to lead by example in terms of following the law.
The bishops particularly took fault with the unkept promises by President Ruto’s government, stating that the culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve.
“Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the Government says. Unfortunately, it seems that the Kenyans have helplessly tolerated the lies told to them constantly by the politicians. Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that the politicians tell them but rather must resolve to seek and be led by the truth,” they added.
Warning that failure by the government to fulfil its promises, particularly concerning payments to essential service providers, would harm vulnerable communities, the Bishops cited the case with the debt owed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to faith-based organisations, which are now owed billions of shilling in dues, an issue they say they addressed constantly even with the President.
They recalled other pertinent unresolved issues they raised recently with the Government: over-taxation of Kenyans, the hiking of the Missionary work permits, Youth unemployment, regulations of the Education system especially the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and University loan scheme, and the failure to constitute the Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), among others.
“We believe that genuine consultation of all concerned stakeholders in all these matters, is necessary, beyond the casual public participation. This culture of lies, unkept promises and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” they urged.
KCCB also faulted a bill proposing an extension of the five-year term to seven years, currently being considered, with the bishops claiming plans to rush it through the legislative system. They believed that a two-term limit of 10 years, as given by the current Constitution, is ample time for any visionary political leader to leave a strong legacy if they perform.
“We need to critically scrutinize this political move. We question the motivations behind this agenda and the long-term interests it serves. We strongly condemn this retrogressive and manipulative thinking. Let us not create problems where there are none.
“We have matters of National concern such as the crumbling CBC education system, health care services, reconstitution of the IEBC, a huge block of educated but unemployed youth and fighting the monster of corruption among others, that are surely top priorities,” the bishops let their frustrations known against the government for concentrating on pointless matters.
While addressing journalists, KCCB also criticised the government for slapping Kenyans with too many, and unnecessary taxes to raise its revenue, noting that they were vehemently concerned by the continued myriad of new tax regimes that are constantly emerging from day to day, leading to Kenyans being unreasonably overtaxed.
“It seems to be a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill 2024. We must listen keenly to the cry of the Kenyan people. The current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome. As Catholic Bishops, we have many times reminded the Government of the need to put to good use all the collected revenue and live within its means,” the Catholic Bishops recounted.
To resolve the menace, the catholic bishops advised President Ruto’s administration to put into good use the collected revenue and put in place austerity measures to avoid over-expenditure.
“We thank God for holding our country together, despite the social and political upheavals. We pray that our leaders guided by the values of justice, mercy, humility, selflessness and honesty provide good leadership and governance to our nation,” the bishops stated.
