Catholic Bishops slam politicians over early campaigns

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has strongly condemned the rising political activity in the country.

The clerics say the new wave of political realignments and premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections are diverting attention from national development.

"This early onset of political campaigns diverts critical attention from national development, shifting focus to the spectacle of election campaigns. The fervor generated by political rallies creates an artificial euphoria that obscures substantive policy debates, elevating political temperatures," stated KCCB.

Their statement comes against the backdrop of high-octane politics building up from the formation of a broad-based government, new political parties, rebranding of political outfits, and political realignments as key political figures brew their 2027 game plan.

"This premature election fervor undermines the very spirit of the democratic process, as a government is expected to concentrate on governance and implementation until the officially designated campaigning period is announced," the Bishops added.

The clerics also warned against divisive ethnic mobilization.

"Over the decades, the exploitation of ethnic identities for political gain has led to violence and deep societal fractures. Today, we stand resolute in our commitment to learn from these painful lessons," KCCB noted.

The bishops demanded economic justice through reforms in economic policies touching on the housing levy and taxation and called for urgent action on the scourge of corruption to safeguard public resources and enhance governance.

These issues and a limping health sector, they say, contribute to their prognosis of a grim state of the nation.

"Families are going through painful experiences, unable to pay using the SHA scheme. What was the hurry to transition without a good interface?" KCCB added.

Private and mission hospitals recently made good on their threat to withdraw health services under the Social Health Authority, accusing the government of lacking a concrete plan to pay debts owed to them.

"In spite of the promises made in November 2024 after our previous statement, the only payments that came through, cover part of the claims in this period only. Our faith-based hospitals are still owed not less than Ksh.2.5 billion. We need commitment from the government on when this amount will be paid and not mere promises," the Bishops stated.

The clerics are also demanding a raft of reforms and resourcing of constitutional bodies such as the IEBC and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).