Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on national leaders, including President William Ruto, to pay close attention to concerns raised by religious leaders, describing them as the moral compass of the nation.

Taking to his X on November 16, 2025, Matiang’i emphasised the importance of the clergy in highlighting the grievances of ordinary Kenyans amid rising economic and governance challenges.

“I saw a powerful statement from the Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Anglican Church leaders have spoken very loudly, and many of you have spoken loudly as well, and I want to ask our national leaders, His Excellency, our President, and the government, please listen to the clergy, listen to the religious leaders of our country. ” Matiang’i noted, underscoring the urgency of their message.

He stressed that these voices reflect the real issues affecting citizens, stating, “I appeal to our national leaders – listen to the clergy. They are speaking on behalf of the people and articulating the pain that ordinary Kenyans are carrying.” Drawing from personal experience, Matiang’i highlighted the clergy’s moral authority, warning political leaders of the consequences of ignoring their counsel.

“My personal experience is that I have interacted with some of these wonderful people here,” he said. “And I normally tell people that, for us in the secular world, these are very dangerous people because we are going to look for votes from all these people. God ordains these, and when they speak, we had better listen.”

Clergy as the Nation’s Conscience

Matiang’i further framed the clergy as the conscience of the nation, urging leaders to act responsibly. “You are the voice of God, you are the conscience of our country,” he affirmed.

He cautioned against complacency, noting, “And we know what has happened to countries when we do not listen to our ordained men of God.”

The former CS’s remarks follow public statements from the Catholic Bishops raising concerns over governance issues, including the passage of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, delays in health sector payments, and corruption, while acknowledging progress in teacher recruitment and currency stabilisation.

Religious leaders’ role

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also called on clergy to guide Kenyan youth in navigating moral and societal challenges.

During a meeting with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya on November 13, 2025, Mudavadi emphasised the influence of faith leaders in shaping a morally upright society, citing risks such as internet fraud and human trafficking.

“To build and sustain a just, virtuous, and morally upright nation, we must stand together in shaping a society grounded in faith, integrity, and shared values,” he stated.