KISUMU, Kenya – Bishop Charles Ong’injo of the Anglican Diocese of Maseno South delivered a searing critique of Kenya’s political landscape today, taking aim at what he termed “nonsensical political sloganeering.”
Speaking during the funeral of Mzee Eliud Nyikal, father to Seme MP James Nyikal, the Bishop called on the political class to shift their focus back to the plight of the common citizen.
“I’m pleading with our Members of Parliament, stop nonsensical political sloganeering. Address the needs of the people. People are suffering,” he declared.
Bishop Ong’injo challenged leaders to move beyond succession politics and address the immediate failures in governance and public services.
“I know today you will tell us about one-term, two-term; even as you say that, tell us what is going to happen to our children who are in crisis and the health crisis we are faced as a country,” he challenged.
Reminding the government of its fundamental duty to protect its citizens, he argued that the state should empower its people rather than reducing them to “handout beggars.”
Turning to the economy, the Bishop dismissed the government’s justifications for skyrocketing fuel costs, stating the explanations “did not hold any water.”
He addressed President William Ruto directly on the matter, who pointed to the country’s middle-income status and tax structure as major causes for high fuel costs.
Speaking on fuel prices, Ruto said; “Kenya is a middle-income country. Our neighbours are least developed countries. There is a big difference.”
“If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others, compare Kenya with other middle-income countries. That is how you will get the figures right. Middle-income countries like Kenya are possibly have higher prices than Kenya or the same.”
