Clergy asks government to reduce the cost of living

Families in various parts of the country are still afflicted by famine made worse by the high cost of living. [iStockphoto]

Religious leaders in Homa Bay County have challenged the government to fulfil its pledge of reducing the cost of living.

The Catholic Church's Vicar General in Homa Bay Diocese Fr Francis Lesso and Legio Maria's Vicar General Fr John Okumu of Pap Ndege Parish expressed concerns over tribulations Kenyans are undergoing due to the high cost of living.

Fr Lesso said President William Ruto promised Kenyans to reduce the cost of living in his first 100 days in office but no change has been made.

He said it is dismaying that the cost of living still continues to rise despite the promises which the President gave during his campaign.

"During his campaign rallies ahead of the last General election, Kenyans were promised reduced cost of living. But it is unfortunate that the situation is still worsening. Oil prices which control the cost of majority consumable goods still continue to rise," Fr Lesso said.

He urged the government to focus on how oil prices can be reduced with the aim of reducing the cost of living.

On his part, Fr Okumu told the government to stick to pledges President Ruto gave Kenyans during his campaign rallies.

He argued that many families in various parts of the country are still afflicted by famine made worse by the high cost of living.

"We are celebrating Christmas but families cannot afford to celebrate in an expected manner because their hands are tied by the difficult economic situations," Fr Okumu said.

He told the government to focus on projects which are aimed at reducing the cost of living for Kenyans.

The priest said there is need for the government to focus on how to combat climate change to prevent drought which has caused serious famine in the country.

"The drought has interfered with food security in our country. Let us focus on climate change and pray for our country so that we can have adequate rains," Fr Okumu said.

The clergymen called on Kenyans to maintain peace during this festive season.