NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Catholic bishops have issued a warning on what they call a “culture of lies” and a crisis of trust eroding public faith in the government.
Speaking from Ruaraka, Nairobi County on Thursday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed alarm over growing corruption, political infighting, and escalating human rights abuses.
The bishops acknowledged the government’s efforts to maintain peace amid rising tensions, noting, “We do not take for granted the relative calm in our country,” as they expressed concerns about the integrity of leadership in light of political disunity and alleged self-interest.
The bishops highlighted the detrimental effects of infighting within the government, accusing leaders of prioritizing self-interest over constitutional duties.
“The political wrangles within the government have fostered an environment of mistrust that has divided the citizenry,” the KCCB statement reads.
They implored political leaders to set aside partisan conflicts and focus on the common good.
Kenya’s legislators are among the highest-paid globally, and the bishops criticized what they called an “irresponsible” use of power by public officials embroiled in corrupt deals.
“The massive greed we witness is shocking and heartbreaking,” the bishops noted.
The bishops expressed horror over recent cases of abductions, torture, and murder, particularly targeting activists and participants in protests.
Referring to the alarming number of missing persons following the “GenZ demonstrations” in June, they questioned the government’s commitment to protecting citizens.
“Who is abducting these people, and why is the government unable to halt these atrocities?” they asked, calling for an immediate investigation.
The KCCB further criticized what they described as “a culture of unkept promises,” citing government failures to support healthcare providers, especially in light of billions owed to faith-based hospitals through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
They also expressed frustration over inadequate consultation on key policies, from youth employment to reforms in education.
“Our hospitals are still owed billions in NHIF payments,” the bishops stated, emphasizing the hardship this has created for essential healthcare services in faith-based facilities that serve millions of Kenyans.
The proposal to extend elected leaders’ terms from five to seven years drew particular ire, with bishops calling it “retrogressive” and “manipulative.”
They questioned the intent behind such moves, asserting that a two-term limit should suffice for any leader to make a meaningful impact.
The bishops also condemned Kenya’s high tax rates, cautioning that citizens are being “unreasonably overtaxed” under the latest finance policies.
They urged the government to heed citizens’ pleas against a backdrop of economic hardships, adding that current tax regimes are “prohibitive and burdensome.”
Quoting Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing,” the bishops concluded by calling for a return to truth, justice, and service to the people.
They invited all Kenyans to “pray for our country as pilgrims of hope” in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.
“We are called to walk together, with our eyes on the Risen Christ,” the bishops declared, urging citizens and leaders alike to stand firm in truth and uphold the values of peace, justice, and integrity.
Speaking from Ruaraka, Nairobi County on Thursday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed alarm over growing corruption, political infighting, and escalating human rights abuses.
The bishops acknowledged the government’s efforts to maintain peace amid rising tensions, noting, “We do not take for granted the relative calm in our country,” as they expressed concerns about the integrity of leadership in light of political disunity and alleged self-interest.
The bishops highlighted the detrimental effects of infighting within the government, accusing leaders of prioritizing self-interest over constitutional duties.
“The political wrangles within the government have fostered an environment of mistrust that has divided the citizenry,” the KCCB statement reads.
They implored political leaders to set aside partisan conflicts and focus on the common good.
Kenya’s legislators are among the highest-paid globally, and the bishops criticized what they called an “irresponsible” use of power by public officials embroiled in corrupt deals.
“The massive greed we witness is shocking and heartbreaking,” the bishops noted.
The bishops expressed horror over recent cases of abductions, torture, and murder, particularly targeting activists and participants in protests.
Referring to the alarming number of missing persons following the “GenZ demonstrations” in June, they questioned the government’s commitment to protecting citizens.
“Who is abducting these people, and why is the government unable to halt these atrocities?” they asked, calling for an immediate investigation.
The KCCB further criticized what they described as “a culture of unkept promises,” citing government failures to support healthcare providers, especially in light of billions owed to faith-based hospitals through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
They also expressed frustration over inadequate consultation on key policies, from youth employment to reforms in education.
“Our hospitals are still owed billions in NHIF payments,” the bishops stated, emphasizing the hardship this has created for essential healthcare services in faith-based facilities that serve millions of Kenyans.
The proposal to extend elected leaders’ terms from five to seven years drew particular ire, with bishops calling it “retrogressive” and “manipulative.”
They questioned the intent behind such moves, asserting that a two-term limit should suffice for any leader to make a meaningful impact.
The bishops also condemned Kenya’s high tax rates, cautioning that citizens are being “unreasonably overtaxed” under the latest finance policies.
They urged the government to heed citizens’ pleas against a backdrop of economic hardships, adding that current tax regimes are “prohibitive and burdensome.”
Quoting Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing,” the bishops concluded by calling for a return to truth, justice, and service to the people.
They invited all Kenyans to “pray for our country as pilgrims of hope” in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.
“We are called to walk together, with our eyes on the Risen Christ,” the bishops declared, urging citizens and leaders alike to stand firm in truth and uphold the values of peace, justice, and integrity.
