NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Friday pushed back against the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) stinging critique of his administration, calling on the clergy to ground their arguments in facts.
Ruto, speaking at Tangaza University’s inaugural graduation ceremony—a Catholic Church-owned institution—highlighted the importance of truthfulness in public discourse.
His remarks came a day after the bishops issued a sharp rebuke of the government over heavy taxation, unfulfilled promises, and alleged state-linked abductions.
“Even as we engage in public discourse on matters important to Kenyans, we must be careful to be factual, lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing. I know you understand what I mean,” Ruto said, in an apparent response to the bishops’ accusations.
On Thursday, the bishops warned that the country was veering off track, with citizens reeling under heavy taxation and unmet government promises.
They accused the state of neglecting faith-based hospitals, which they said were owed billions in unpaid National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) dues, now transferred to the revamped Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“This issue has been repeatedly raised, even with the President, but no meaningful action has been taken,” the bishops stated.
The clergy also criticized the education sector, labeling it as disorganized and plagued by “selfish agendas, lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities.”
The bishops’ remarks sparked swift rebuttals from senior government officials.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi dismissed claims that the education sector was in crisis, particularly under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“The government has invested heavily in the seamless implementation of CBC. This can hardly be described as crumbling,” Migosi said.
Similarly, Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa refuted allegations of neglecting faith-based health facilities, calling the claims “misleading and erroneous.”
Barasa revealed that the government had mobilized KSh 7.58 billion to settle outstanding NHIF debts, with KSh 938 million already disbursed to faith-based facilities.
“We remain committed to addressing historical debts and ensuring the stability of SHIF,” she said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot challenged the bishops to back their corruption allegations with evidence.
“Dear Catholic bishops, let us all be honest. If you have any information on corrupt legislators, furnish it to investigative agencies or name them publicly,” Ichung’wah said.
The exchange underscores growing tensions between the government and the Catholic Church, traditionally a strong moral voice in Kenyan society.
While the bishops have framed their criticism as advocacy for the vulnerable, the government insists it is delivering on its promises.
Ruto, speaking at Tangaza University’s inaugural graduation ceremony—a Catholic Church-owned institution—highlighted the importance of truthfulness in public discourse.
His remarks came a day after the bishops issued a sharp rebuke of the government over heavy taxation, unfulfilled promises, and alleged state-linked abductions.
“Even as we engage in public discourse on matters important to Kenyans, we must be careful to be factual, lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing. I know you understand what I mean,” Ruto said, in an apparent response to the bishops’ accusations.
On Thursday, the bishops warned that the country was veering off track, with citizens reeling under heavy taxation and unmet government promises.
They accused the state of neglecting faith-based hospitals, which they said were owed billions in unpaid National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) dues, now transferred to the revamped Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“This issue has been repeatedly raised, even with the President, but no meaningful action has been taken,” the bishops stated.
The clergy also criticized the education sector, labeling it as disorganized and plagued by “selfish agendas, lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities.”
The bishops’ remarks sparked swift rebuttals from senior government officials.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi dismissed claims that the education sector was in crisis, particularly under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“The government has invested heavily in the seamless implementation of CBC. This can hardly be described as crumbling,” Migosi said.
Similarly, Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa refuted allegations of neglecting faith-based health facilities, calling the claims “misleading and erroneous.”
Barasa revealed that the government had mobilized KSh 7.58 billion to settle outstanding NHIF debts, with KSh 938 million already disbursed to faith-based facilities.
“We remain committed to addressing historical debts and ensuring the stability of SHIF,” she said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot challenged the bishops to back their corruption allegations with evidence.
“Dear Catholic bishops, let us all be honest. If you have any information on corrupt legislators, furnish it to investigative agencies or name them publicly,” Ichung’wah said.
The exchange underscores growing tensions between the government and the Catholic Church, traditionally a strong moral voice in Kenyan society.
While the bishops have framed their criticism as advocacy for the vulnerable, the government insists it is delivering on its promises.
