The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has reprimanded President William Ruto’s administration over what they claimed is perpetuating the culture of lies and failing to address the issue of abductions.
Addressing the press 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.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops went further to accuse the Kenya Kwanza regime of failing to honour its campaign pledges to the citizenry.
“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” they insisted.
Abductions
The issue of abduction featured majorly in the address to the nation on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The clergy lamented over the deterioration of security in the country, which had led to the rise of abductions and femicide.
The bishops challenged the relevant authorities to swing into action and restore order in the country.
“We are appalled by the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings of Kenyans. We also decry the increasing murder of women.
“The government must protect the life of every human person in Kenya. It must take the lead in following the law, which the leadership took an oath to uphold and defend at all times,” the bishops demanded.
Taxation
As the government plans to introduce new revenue-raising policies, the clergy is up in arms slamming Ruto’s administration on overtaxation.
The bishops have pleaded with the government to heed the cry of Kenyans and drop punitive revenue-raising policies set to be introduced.
“We are vehemently concerned by the continued myriad of new tax regimes that are constantly emerging from day to day. It seems to be a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill 2024. We must listen keenly to the cry of the Kenyan people. The current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome. As Catholic Bishops, we have many times reminded the government of the need to put to good use all the collected revenue and live within its means.”
Political wrangles and term limit
On the political front, the bishops have criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for leading a nation filled with wrangles and infighting. They called on the relevant players to bury the hatchet and focus on service delivery.
At the same time, the bishops condemned the bill seeking to extend the term limits of various leaders from five to seven years.
While terming it as retrogressive, the bishops called on Kenyans to interrogate the bill and the motive behind it.
“We strongly condemn this retrogressive and manipulative thinking. Let us not create problems where there are none. We have matters of national concern such as the crumbling CBC education system, health care services, reconstitution of the IEBC, a huge block of educated but unemployed youth, and fighting the monster of corruption, among others, that are surely top priorities,” they reiterated.
