President William Ruto has called on the clergy to prioritize facts and steer clear of half-truths when tackling public matters.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Tangaza University in Nairobi County on Friday, November 15, 2024, the president warned against the dangers of spreading misinformation.

President Ruto highlighted the risks of engaging in discussions without verifying facts, stressing that such actions could undermine the very values individuals claim to defend. 

The Head of State emphasized the responsibility of public figures to set an example in promoting integrity and factual dialogue in matters that affect the people they lead.

“I want to ask all of us; leaders, the clergy, Kenyans – to work together towards a nation that we can all be proud of. And even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual in matters of public interest lest we become victims of things we are accusing others of. I know you know what I mean,” the president said.

“We are all united in the service of the people. That is why we are working with all leaders — the clergy included — towards a Kenya we can all be proud of. But even as we seek to hold each other accountable, we must endeavour to be constructive and factual,” Ruto wrote on his X account on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Bishops’ criticism

This comes hot on the heels of a no-holds-barred press conference on Thursday, November 14, where the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops let loose a barrage of criticisms against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The bishops accused the government of fostering a ‘culture of lies’ and failing to address pressing issues affecting the nation, including the ongoing abductions of its citizens.

They criticized the government’s perceived lack of integrity and failure to fulfill campaign promises. They highlighted growing public frustration over unmet expectations and questioned the government’s priorities.

“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” the bishops said.

They also expressed concern about what they called a diminishing respect for truth in public leadership.

“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 clergy’s criticism has sparked mixed reactions, with some United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politicians firing back at the religious leaders, accusing them of overstepping their role and politicizing their sermons.