Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday, November 15, declined to comment on the recent criticism of President William Ruto by Catholic Bishops, saying he will issue a comprehensive statement later.
Speaking during a presser at Capitol Hill, Odinga steered clear of the matter and focused on shareable revenue, accusing legislators of frustrating devolution.
Responding to a journalist who asked about the criticism of Ruto by the Catholic Church, the ODM leader said he would comment on the matter in a different forum.
"I will do another statement generally, where you can ask general questions. Today is about this issue of revenue care," he said.
This comes after bishops pointed an accusing finger at Ruto's administration, asking him to stop the 'culture of lies'.
They further slammed the Kenya Kwanza administration for unexplained killings, abductions, and widespread corruption.
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).
Hitting back at the clergy, the President, while speaking at Tangaza University on Friday, called on all leaders to stick to facts when engaging in public discourse, warning of the consequences of their words.
"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," he said.
Addressing the congregation, President Ruto acknowledged his close ties with the Catholic fraternity, adding that some of his children went to catholic schools.
Ruto went ahead to advise the clergy to stop the criticism and work closely with the government towards the progress of the nation and to build a country all Kenyans would be proud of.
The statement by bishops drew a number of reactions from various leaders, some who accused the church of double standards for supporting Ruto before the elections and turning their back on him less than two years later.
