Kenyan religious leaders have issued a sharp rebuke to the government, citing failures in education, healthcare, security, and governance. Addressing media on Monday, November 18, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, a group of clergy led by Bondo ACK Bishop David Kodia raised the alarm over unfulfilled promises, systemic corruption, and the absence of meaningful reforms.
The Rt. Rev. Charles Ong’injo, Bishop of Maseno South, decried the education sector’s challenges, calling out the “mass production of unqualified graduates” and the confusion surrounding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition. He also condemned government officials’ “reckless utterances” and accused them of “sweet-talking Kenyans” instead of addressing pressing issues.
Bishop Clement Otieno of the Free Pentecostal Church of Kenya criticized unkept promises to Kenyan youth, especially Generation Z, warning, “We are yet to see the implementation of promises made to them. If this continues, we may call for civil disobedience. It takes force when someone is not listening.”
The Most Rev. Patrick Ligawa, Archbishop of the Church of Christ in Africa, lambasted the healthcare sector, accusing corruption of crippling the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). He dismissed the newly created State Health Authority (SHA) as ineffective, saying, “SHA is a magic trick that will never solve the problems NHIF couldn’t. We demand a comprehensive policy to revitalize the health sector.” Ligawa further called for free medical services in public facilities and advocated for devolving security services to county governments amid rising insecurity.
Rev. CS John Mark Godia, Bishop of the Diocese of Maseno West, attributed Kenya’s struggles to poor management rather than resource scarcity. He urged National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei to tone down her criticism of Catholic bishops, warning, “Don’t be mesmerized by your proximity to power. We will declare curses on those who refuse to share what belongs to Kenyans.” Godia also demanded transparency from State House, including the publication of employee lists, notably the “prayer warriors.”
Bishop David Kodia of Bondo Diocese criticized the government’s high-handedness, stating, “Kenya belongs to all of us. Even the president must stand trial if his office is found misusing public funds.” He slammed the controversial university funding model and called for the prompt constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We will never be cowed into silence,” Kodia declared. “Stop reckless utterances. You’re too young to cause any major shifts. Allow Kenyans to be treated with dignity.”
The clergy collectively called on the government to address systemic issues and restore public trust, emphasizing the need for equitable service delivery and respectful governance.
Thanks for fingertips updates. Way to go!