President William Ruto has changed his tone towards the clergy a day after he warned them against spreading misinformation on matters of public interest.

The clergy had accused his administration of fostering a ‘culture of lies’ and failing to deliver on key promises made to Kenyans.

Addressing the issue during the consecration of Bishop Peter Kimani in Embu on Saturday, November 16, 2024, President Ruto struck a conciliatory tone. He acknowledged the clergy’s concerns and pledged to address shortcomings in his administration’s delivery of services.

He also emphasized his administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), describing it as a critical programme to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing healthcare.

“Mimi nataka niwahakikishie wakenya na niwahakikishie haw amaskofu wetu, kwamba vile wametusahihisha kwamba kuna makosa hapa na pale, hio makosa tutarekebisha.

“I want to assure Kenyans and our bishops that where there are mistakes, as they have pointed out, we will correct them,” Ruto said.

Adding;

“Because Universal Health Coverage is a must-do. It will make sure no citizen is left behind. Kwa hivyo watu wa Embu, vile mmeskia askofu amesema, tutashirikiana kwa pamoja ili nchi yetu isonge mbele.”

Ruto warns clergy

The softer approach came a day after President Ruto’s remarks at a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University in Nairobi County on Friday, November 15, 2024, where he had issued a warning against misinformation.

While addressing the gathering, Ruto criticized what he termed the clergy’s reliance on ‘half-truths’ in public discussions.

“I want to ask all of us – leaders, the clergy, Kenyans – to work together towards a nation that we can all be proud of. 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,” he 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.

The beef

On Thursday, November 14, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of promoting dishonesty and neglecting critical issues affecting the nation, such as the ongoing abductions of citizens.

The bishops condemned what they described as a lack of integrity in governance and unfulfilled campaign promises, pointing to growing public dissatisfaction with unmet expectations and questionable government priorities.

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

They further voiced concerns over an apparent erosion of truthfulness 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.