'Stop the culture of lies': Catholic Bishops slam Ruto administration

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called out President William Ruto’s administration for what they term a deeply entrenched 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).

“We have made clear statements many times in the recent past, with very little response from the government. Despite the calmness we are experiencing, there is a lot of anxiety and most people are losing trust in the government," said Muhatia.

“We recall other pertinent unresolved issues we have raised recently with the government: overtaxation of Kenyans, the hiking of missionary work permits, youth unemployment, regulations of the education system, especially the CBC, and university loan schemes. The failure to constitute the IEBC... this culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with," Dominic Kimengich, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Eldoret said.

Additionally, the clergy criticized local politicians for advancing politics of self-interest and political wrangles, which risk balkanizing the country.

“The political wrangles in the government have generated unwarranted tensions and deepened divisions among our people. Further, it has created an environment of mistrust among citizens and within government itself," said Muhatia.

“It is baffling that a bill proposing an extension of a five-year term to seven years is being considered. We need to critically scrutinize this political move. We question the motivations behind this agenda and the long-term interests it serves," Kimengich added.

The bishops also accused the government of reneging on its promise to clear arrears amounting to billions owed to faith-based hospitals under the NHIF, even as they questioned the newly established Social Health Authority.

“The shift to SHA has serious challenges. Kenyans are suffering across hospitals… etc," Muhatia said.

They further expressed their displeasure with the seeming laxity in the war against graft and addressing reported abductions, disappearances, and killings of Kenyans.

“Who is abducting these people? And is the government unable to stop these abductions and killings?" Muhatia posed.

The bishops have since urged Kenyans to unite in prayer during these precarious times.