Catholic bishops' remarks spark fresh reactions

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Maurice Muhatia flanked by other bishops during a media briefing in Nairobi. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

A statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) calling out the Kenya Kwanza administration has sparked widespread reactions from political leaders, constitutional experts, and the public.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot dismissed the bishops’ remarks as unfounded, accusing them of making misleading claims about the government’s performance.

“I struggle to recall the last time Catholic Bishops issued such a scathing personal attack on former Presidents, who were Catholics. This was a purely political statement,” said Cheruiyot, who also serves as Senate Majority Leader.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, also criticised the bishops’ statement. In a post on X, he challenged their assertions, particularly on corruption and the government’s campaign promises.

“If you have evidence of corruption by legislators, share it with investigative agencies or name them publicly. Otherwise, such claims lack credibility,” Ichung’wah wrote.

He also took issue with the inclusion of a bill proposing to extend the presidential term limit to seven years, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.

“The bill, which lacked support and is effectively dead, has no place in your statement. My Lord Bishops, the drafter of this statement is either misleading you or pursuing a partisan agenda,” he said.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi advised the government to respond to the criticism maturely.

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“If the bishops are truthful, take the criticism on board and self-correct. If not, ignore it and focus on delivering for Kenyans. The combative response by government agencies is counterproductive.”

Former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi also weighed in, questioning the government’s defensive approach. “The Catholic bishops are raising legitimate concerns. Kenyans know who the real liars are—they’ve been here for the past two and a half years,” Kituyi said on Citizen TV.

Netizens expressed varied opinions. Some supported the bishops for highlighting pressing issues such as corruption, over-taxation, human rights violations, and poor healthcare, while others accused them of partisanship.

“Anyone from Mt. Kenya who criticises this government is labeled a tribalist, including Archbishop Anthony Muheria. We will wear that label proudly,” wrote X user Jim Njue.

Another user, Abubakar Abdullahi, remarked on Facebook, “The Catholic Church told the government to stop lying, and the government responded with more lies.”

Others praised the bishops’ courage. “Catholic Bishops are true servants of God. They speak the truth and fear no one except God,” wrote Cornelius Ronoh on X.

The catholic bishops’ statement continues to draw reactions, with some lauding their boldness and others questioning their motives.

The conversation underscores growing scrutiny of the government’s performance nearly three years into its term.

On Thursday evening, several government agencies were forced to draw press releases responding to the issues the clergy raised.