Ruto Hits Back At Catholic Bishops Following Sharp Criticism
President William Ruto has responded to the Catholic bishops’ controversial speech from Thursday, which has piqued the interest of Kenyans, particularly the political class.
Speaking at Tangaza University’s graduation ceremony in Nairobi on Friday, November 15, the head of state warned the clergy against spreading disinformation.
Addressing the audience, President Ruto acknowledged his close ties to the Catholic community, noting that several of his children attended Catholic schools.
Ruto went on to exhort the clergy to stop criticizing the government and instead work together to advance the nation and create a country that all Kenyans can be proud of.
“I want to ask leaders and clergy to work together towards a nation we can all be proud of and even as we engage in public discourse, which is important to Kenyans,” President Ruto commented.
Ruto: I have been to many churches, and I find that some do not have many qualified clergy. I want to ask Tangaza University, which is run by Catholics, to also help train clergy for other churches pic.twitter.com/p48UQlCADR
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) November 15, 2024
“We must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing, I know you know what I mean,” the Head of State added.
President Ruto’s comments come only hours after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chastised his administration over claims of corruption prevention, broken pledges, abductions, and extrajudicial executions.
Speaking to journalists in Ruaraka Sub-County, Nairobi County, on Thursday, November 14, religious leaders criticised the government for failing to repay the National Health Insurance Fund’s (NHIF) debt to faith-based institutions.
The bishops also criticised the government for failing to establish the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), despite calls from various stakeholders.
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Church leaders also criticized the country’s security forces for failing to address recent incidences of abductions, femicide, and extrajudicial murders.
“Many families are grappling with the loss of their children who were brutally killed and went missing following what is referred to as the Gen Z demonstrations in June 2024,” the bishops noted.
“Many of them had raised concerns about rampant corruption, who is behind these abductions?”
“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with. We believe that genuine consultations of all concerned stakeholders is necessary beyond the casualty public participation,” the statement added.
Ruto Hits Back At Catholic Bishops Following Sharp Criticism
