Let the church speak: MP Njeri Maina defends Clergy amid clash with Ruto government

Her remarks come in response to criticism levelled against the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) following their sharp critique of the administration.

Speaking on Friday, Maina emphasized that the church, like all Kenyans, is entitled to freedom of expression under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, specifically citing Articles 32 and 33, which guarantee freedom of religion and opinion.

"When the church said this government was God-ordained, the same people now attacking it were happy. Let them take the current criticism in good faith; the church has a right to express itself as per Articles 32 and 33 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Let them have their say without unwarranted political attacks," she said.

The exchange began when the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a scathing statement accusing the Ruto administration of perpetuating a culture of lies, corruption, unfulfilled promises, and misplaced priorities. 

Led by their chair, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, the bishops accused the political class of turning a deaf ear to key concerns raised by Kenyans, including over taxation, unemployment, disturbing gaps in the implementation of the CBC education system, and the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The bishops lamented that the government appeared unresponsive to the pressing concerns of ordinary Kenyans, exacerbating public discontent.

In a swift rebuttal, the government dismissed the bishops’ criticism, with Cabinet Secretaries Deborah Mulongo (Health) and Migos Ogamba (Education), alongside Inspector General Douglas Kanja, describing the clergy’s remarks as erroneous and misleading.

President Ruto has also responded to the clergy's sentiments. In a subtle response on Friday, when he attended Tangaza University's Graduation in Nairobi, Ruto called on all leaders, clergy, and Kenyans to stick to the facts when engaging in public discourse, warning that “people can become victims of the things they accuse others of doing".

"Even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing," said President Ruto in his address.