‘Let’s critique objectively and factually’ – CS Murkomen defends Kenya Kwanza govt

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans to evaluate the government’s performance with objectivity, focusing on facts and solutions rather than negativity.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Murkomen highlighted recent progress made by the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging citizens to adopt a balanced perspective.

“Notwithstanding the challenges we face as a nation, there is significant progress over the past two years that deserves recognition. For instance, the shilling has stabilized, and prices of basic commodities such as flour have dropped considerably. It’s important to view the glass as half full, not half empty,” Murkomen stated.

Notwithstanding the challenges we face as a nation, there is significant progress over the past two years that deserves recognition.

For instance, the shilling has stabilised, and prices of basic commodities such as flour have dropped considerably. It's important to view the… pic.twitter.com/yIKL3AoGMz

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) November 16, 2024

Clergy’s criticism

Murkomen’s sentiments come in the wake of fierce criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, who accused the government of failing to address critical national issues.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the bishops launched a scathing attack, claiming the government has fostered a ‘culture of lies’ and failed to uphold integrity and deliver on its campaign promises.

The clergy raised concerns over the government’s perceived inability to address pressing matters such as the abduction of citizens. They also highlighted public frustration over what they termed as misplaced priorities and unfulfilled expectations.

The bishops expressed dismay at the diminishing respect for truth in public leadership, claiming that deceit had replaced the integrity Kenyans deserve. They urged citizens to demand accountability and resist normalizing falsehoods from politicians.

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

Adding;

“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 criticism sparked mixed reactions with some leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) accusing the clergy of politicizing their sermons and overstepping their role.

Ruto to clergy

President William Ruto in response urged the clergy to prioritize facts and steer clear of half-truths when tackling public matters.

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.