NYERI, Kenya – Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has urged President William Ruto’s administration to shift its focus from self-promotion to tangible governance, accusing the State of prioritizing rhetoric over results.
Speaking at Consolata Mathari Hospital on Friday, Muheria criticized the government’s approach, arguing that it has become more invested in public relations than in fulfilling its promises.
“There has to be less rhetoric. We have to stop advertising what you will do. Act! The government is not an advertising agency. It is an agency that implements actions, that’s what we want to see,” Muheria stated.
The archbishop further emphasized the need for structured governance, urging leaders to abandon divisive politics and focus on delivering meaningful change.
“We want a government that follows rules and systems, not one that puts all its machinery into advertising,” he said. “How I wish we could shelve all these insults, noise, and demeaning statements and begin to appreciate one another.”
Muheria also took aim at the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, questioning its effectiveness and warning that its implementation failures have left Kenya’s healthcare system in disarray.
“In spite of the efforts we’re trying to make to improve the health services, we’re still constrained by the payments from the defunct NHIF and SHA,” he noted. “Unfortunately, the systems are still not working.”
According to Muheria, faith-based hospitals like Consolata Mathari are bearing the brunt of the government’s inefficiencies, with the State owing the institution over Ksh.250 million in unpaid dues for the past four years.
“We plead, and cry but seem to get non-committal responses,” he lamented.
Hours after Muheria’s remarks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the government’s approach, insisting that public communication is a crucial part of governance.
“The government’s role involves public participation. Some don’t want us to do so. It’s not possible. According to the Constitution, we must engage in public participation and inform people of what is being done,” Mudavadi stated.
He dismissed claims that the administration was more focused on publicity than action, arguing that keeping citizens informed is a constitutional duty.
“Calling a government an advertising agency is misleading Kenyans. It’s the government’s responsibility to talk to its citizens,” he added.
Muheria’s sharp critique signals a widening rift between the church and Ruto’s administration, despite the president’s strong ties with religious institutions during his campaign.
While the church played a pivotal role in Ruto’s rise to power, it has increasingly clashed with his government over governance and policy issues, accusing it of being out of touch with the realities facing ordinary Kenyans.
With frustrations mounting over unfulfilled promises, the church’s voice is becoming a growing force in holding the administration accountable.
Whether the government will heed the call for action remains to be seen.
