Catholic bishops want Ruto and Raila to embrace dialogue, resume bipartisan talks

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva. [File, Standard]

Azimio and Kenya Kwanza are also fighting over the formula of reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. This was after the opposition leaders raised fears that the government planned to handpick new commissioners, a move that, if allowed, would disadvantage them in the next elections.

The bishops noted that there will be more losses, of life and property if the three-day weekly demonstrations are allowed to go on.

Archbishop Muheria noted that the protests are a result of distress that Kenyans are going through due to the high cost of living, and urged the government to repeal "the Finance Act that is a major burden to the public".

"Within this background, the recently enacted Finance Act places an unsustainable burden on already distressed citizens, especially those within the low-income bracket," Muheria said.

Institute a process

He added: "We, therefore, ask the president to repeal the Finance Act and institute a process that will seek to achieve the same goals within the context of the current economic context."

The clerics also condemned police brutality on protesters terming it "an act of violence and abuse of power".

"We understand there are criminals who disguise themselves as protesters. They vandalize property and steal. They even kill people in their evil schemes. These are the ones that police should go for, to ensure peaceful demonstrations are conducted according to the law," Muheria said.

Bishop Obala urged the government to ensure honesty in its actions, especially regarding the current economic situation, as the only way for the Ruto administration to regain public trust.

The religious leaders acknowledged that peaceful demonstrations allow individuals to express their grievances but appealed to the public to remain peaceful.