Nakuru Catholic Diocese Bishop Cleophas Oseso has urged President William Ruto to follow the law in the fight against corruption.
Bishop Oseso said although the Catholic Church supports the government's fight against corruption, it does not support Ruto's claim that those involved in corruption will be sent to heaven.
Oseso was addressing Ruto's claim that corrupt individuals had three options; either leaving the country, going to jail, or being sent to heaven.
Speaking as he presided over his first Diocesan celebration since his installation on May 6 this year, Oseso said the president should leave to God the work of taking corrupt individuals to heaven.
"God is the only person who knows and decides when a person leaves the earth. It is not the president's mandate to do that," said Oseso.
He insisted that Ruto should continue with the fight against corruption targeting all individuals, including his friends, but he must stick to the law.
"As the Catholic Church, we condemn corruption because it denies Kenyans their basic and secondary needs. Those involved should be arrested, charged, and taken to jail," he said.
Oseso also said the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza teams should show intentions to dialogue. He said that although Kenyans hear there is dialogue, all signs show the two teams are not on the same page.
According to Oseso, demands by both parties contradict each other, making dialogue plans difficult as evidenced by utterances in their recent political rallies.
"The economy is bad and the government and opposition should dialogue on how to address the concerns of the citizens instead of focusing on their personal interests," he said.
Oseso heads over 62 Catholic parishes in Nakuru and Baringo Counties. He said the church has to be at the forefront in fighting challenges experienced in both counties.
He noted that Baringo is usually hit with floods, drought and diseases, and the church has to ensure no one sleeps hungry by making donations.
"The church has developed hospitals and dispensaries in both counties to ensure our Christians and other residents access good health," he said.
He said the church also supports education in East Pokot for those who lack school fees, in a bid to boost the government in its education campaign from nurseries to colleges.
"The church will also ensure the people with disabilities within our diocese are supported to get education, food, shelter, and employment," he said.
