A group of clergy in Kilifi County, on Sunday, expressed disapproval of their Catholic counterparts for publicly criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government during their address on Thursday.
The Catholic bishops raised concerns over issues such as the rollout challenges of the Social Health Authority (SHA), extrajudicial killings, and the increasing cases of abductions.
During the death anniversary ceremony of Kilifi North MP’s father, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop Reuben Katite called out the bishops, stating that it was disrespectful to voice such concerns in public rather than engaging directly with the President.
“Even religious leaders who know the Bible well stood and said they don’t think this government is chosen by God, when they know very well that leadership comes from God,” Bishop Katite remarked.
“Instead of praying for things that are going wrong to be corrected, they choose to publicly say that this government is not even chosen by God. How can that be?”
Political leaders attending the event echoed the Bishop’s sentiments. South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro urged religious leaders to guide not just their congregants but also politicians, offering correction when necessary but in a loving and constructive manner.
“Our leadership is worldly, but yours comes from above and is for leading the soul. If we go wrong, correct us in a loving way,” Osoro said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who was also present, acknowledged the bishops’ role in shaping political discourse but cautioned against public criticism without first addressing issues privately.
He emphasized, “Bishops, the respect the world gives you… if you see a naked man, don’t call the neighbors like what was done recently.”
On Thursday, November 14, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) held a press conference where they criticized President Ruto’s administration over ongoing national challenges.
The bishops also raised concerns specific to their sector, such as increased missionary work permit fees, the government’s failure to heed their pleas, and issues like taxation, youth unemployment, and education reforms.
The bishops called for genuine consultations on matters affecting the country, urging that public participation and open dialogue be prioritized over what they described as “lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities.”
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