Church leaders condemn Ruto–Opposition vile exchanges and demand decorum
By Emmanuel Rono, March 20, 2026Clerics from the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya have urged political leaders to exercise restraint following escalating public exchanges between President William Ruto and opposition figures.
Led by Habil Olembo, Secretary General of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya, they criticised both the President and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, for what he described as a lack of decorum, saying their conduct was embarrassing to Kenyans.
He termed the ongoing public outbursts as “verbal indiscipline”, warning that the exchanges point to a deeper concern about the state of political discourse in the country.
Olembo called on leaders across the political divide to uphold dignity in their utterances, stressing the need for respectful and responsible engagement in public forums.
Poor Conduct by Leaders
Speaking after church service on Sunday, March 20, 2026, the men of God said the conduct of current leaders reflects poorly on their generation.
“All leaders in this country, stop the insults and early campaign and get back to work,” Olembo said.
The leaders said that many Kenyans, particularly the youth, are increasingly finding it difficult to identify with leaders who engage in confrontational and divisive rhetoric and urged a shift towards more issue-based and respectful politics.
According to Peter Manyuri, the leaders should not be allowed to use the pulpits to make insults against each other.
“The only way you can win a sinner or these politicians is by being friendly to them; correct them by telling this is correct or wrong,” Manyuri noted.
KCCB on Ruto-Opposition insults
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has also condemned the President and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, for lack of decorum.
KCCB Chairperson Bishop Maurice Muhatia claimed the duo was embarrassing Kenyans.
Bishop Muhatia urged political leaders to grant Kenyans a reprieve from their hostility, suggesting they retreat to a private bunker if they must persist in exchanging insults.
PHOTO/Maurice Muhatia
He emphasised that Kenya is a nation cherished by God, and its citizens deserve nothing less than exemplary conduct from those elected to lead them.
“When you are done, come back and join us in nation-building. We love our country, we respect our leaders, but not when you behave in this manner. You are embarrassing this great nation. We pray for you that you may be transformed in your leadership and guide people to where God expects them to be, for these are children of God,” he added.