A section of clergy in Kilifi County, on Sunday, called out their Catholic counterparts for publicly criticising the Kenya Kwanza Government in their Thursday address on numerous issues including; the Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout challenges, extra-judicial killings, and rampant abductions.
Speaking during the death anniversary of the Kilifi North MP’s father, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop Reuben Katite stated that it was disrespectful of the bishops to bring up the matter publicly instead of sitting down with the President and talking it out.
“Even religious leaders who know the Bible well stood and said they don’t think this government is chosen by God and they know very well that leadership comes from God,” he stated.
“Instead of praying for the things that are going wrong to be corrected they choose to say that this government is not even chosen by God. How can that be?”
Political leaders at the occasion echoed these concerns including South Mugirango Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvanus Osoro who asked the religious leaders to remember to not just guide the congregants but also politicians as well, encouraging them to correct when necessary.
“Our leadership is worldly but yours comes from above and is for leading the soul. If we go wrong just correct us in a loving way.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, also in attendance, also acknowledged the Bishops’ role in shaping the political scene but also stressed the importance
“Bishops, the respect that the world gives you, if you see a naked man, don’t call the neighbours like what was done recently.”
On Thursday, November 14, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) held a press conference where they criticised President Ruto’s administration over several issues plaguing the nation since he took over the top office.
They also spoke of issues specifically affecting their sector including the hiking of the missionary work permit fees as well as the President’s refusal to take heed of their pleas.
“We recall the pertinent issues we have raised recently with the government over taxation of Kenyans, the hiking of the missionary work permits, youth unemployment, and regulations of the education system including the Competency Bed Curriculum (CBC) and the education funding,” the Bishops noted.
“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with. We believe that genuine consultations of all concerned stakeholders is necessary beyond the casualty of public participation.”
