The opposition has rallied in defence of the Catholic Bishops criticism against President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza led Government.
“We wish to address the disheartening and reactionary response of the Kenya Kwanza Administration towards the constructive criticism recently offered by the Catholic Church. It is ironic, to say the least, that the same church whose wisdom, guidance, and prayers they sought and relied on during their campaign is now being castigated simply for holding them accountable,” they said.
In a statement led on their behalf by the Wiper Party leader and Azimio la Umoja one Kenya Alliance co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka said the Catholic Church, and the faith community at large, are pillars of our society and custodians of the country’s moral fabric and the social contract that binds Kenyans together.
“When the church speaks, it does so with the interest of the common mwananchi at heart, and it is both prudent and necessary for them to voice concerns when the government deviates from its mandate to serve the people.
“Instead of engaging in a flurry of defensive press releases and attempts to discredit the church, the Kenya Kwanza Administration should heed the call for reflection and corrective action. Accountability cannot be brushed aside through well-scripted statements; it requires concrete steps towards addressing the growing economic hardship, the rising cost of living, and the widespread discontent in the nation,” said Kalonzo.
Kalonzo added:”Let the Government understand this: words are not substitutes for action. The cries of our people, echoed by the church, are calls for meaningful reform, transparency, and genuine service. It is time for the Kenya Kwanza Administration to stop focusing on countering criticism and instead focus on delivering tangible results that uplift the lives of Kenyans.”
Speaking in a press conference at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi, the leaders who included former Defence Cabinet Secretary who is also the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, ex-Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Machakos Senator Grace Kavindu constitutional, Azimio legal officer Paul Mwangi said the church is fulfilling its role as the conscience of our nation, and it deserves respect, not rebuke.
“Leaders must rise to the challenge of being accountable to the very people they swore to serve and protect. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust vested in them,” they quipped.
