Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya on Friday, November 15, criticised the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) for openly reprimanding President William Ruto’s government.

In an address, Baya said that all members of the clergy were under obligation to pray for the president and the country.

“Whether you are a bishop, priest, or Imam, you have an obligation to pray for the president and this country so that it succeeds,” Baya said.

In a swipe to the vice chairperson of KCCB, Baya said Bishop Anthony Muheria would not see heaven.

“I want to tell you, Bishop Muheria, you are wrong and you will not see heaven. Just because your friend was removed from being Deputy President, you think there is no need to be a clergyman,” Baya stated.

Bishops call out govt

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the men of cloth went all out to castigate the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming that they have failed to uphold integrity and have resolved to spew lies on major issues affecting the nation.

“The culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve. Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the government says. Unfortunately, it seems that the Kenyans have helplessly tolerated the lies told to them constantly by the politicians. Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that the politicians tell them, but rather must resolve to seek and be led by the truth,” the bishops stated.

Further, the bishops decried the overtaxation in the country, noting that whereas the state relies on taxes as its primary source of revenue, prudent use of the resources collected from Kenyans was paramount.

The bishops lamented corruption and the politics of self-interest in the country and highlighted instances of violations of human rights and freedom of speech.

“We are appalled by the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture, and killing of Kenyans. We also decry the increasing murder of women. Who is abducting these people?” the bishops quipped.

Mixed reactions

The Thursday statement has elicited reactions from various quarters, with some noting that the bishops were right to call out the wrongs in government while others observing that the criticism was unfair.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei on Friday, November 15, 2024, criticised the bishops for publicly calling out the government, saying they could have as well approached Ruto at State House and stated their concerns.