Crossed and waving flags of Kenya and Vatican. Vector illustration
Is Kenya Really the Land of the Free? Well, Not According to Catholic Bishops…
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) dropped a bombshell with their State of the Nation address, slamming President William Ruto’s administration for what they called a “culture of lies.” Apparently, under the Kenya Kwanza government, truth has become a luxury—a commodity that most Kenyans no longer get to enjoy. Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese summed it up perfectly: “Truth? Nah, it’s only what the government says that matters.”
Lies, Lies, and More Lies: The New National Pastime
According to Kimengich, it’s not just that the truth is “hard to find,” it’s that the government’s blatant deception has replaced any shred of integrity that used to exist. In his words: “It seems like Kenyans have become professional lie-tolerators.” And you thought politicians were only bad at keeping promises—they’re now mastering the art of bending reality. So, what’s the solution? The bishops are calling for Kenyans to stop clapping for these lies and, instead, start demanding the truth—imagine that!
Abductions, Femicide and a Nation That Seems to Care Less
But that wasn’t all. The bishops didn’t just stop at the “cultural” crisis—they took aim at the very real, very disturbing rise in abductions and killings. KCCB chairperson Maurice Muhatia was not having it: “Who’s behind these kidnappings and murders?” he asked. The government’s response? Crickets. Women, in particular, seem to be the prime targets of this violence, and Muhatia made it clear that this isn’t just a headline; it’s anger-inducing, disgusting, and deeply alarming.
Ruto’s Government: Too Busy to Protect the People?
The bishops didn’t mince words when they said it: the government is failing to protect its citizens, despite having taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. The law? It’s supposed to protect every Kenyan’s life (Article 26, anyone?), but apparently, that’s just too much to ask these days.
Corruption? Oh, It’s Worse Than Ever
And then there’s the juicy bit: corruption. The bishops accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of outdoing even the most creative forms of political greed. It’s no longer about just pocketing public funds. Now, it’s about abusing positions of power to get whatever they can. Muhatia didn’t hold back: “The greed we are witnessing is both shocking and heartbreaking.” If you thought things couldn’t get worse, think again.
In Case You Missed It: The Healthcare Nightmare
Just to add some extra spice to this government critique, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri had previously chimed on November 8, criticizing the government’s disastrous handling of healthcare policies. The new Social Health Authority (SHA), replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has made it even harder for ordinary Kenyans to access medical care. Sounds like a brilliant idea, right? Not quite. For many, it’s just another reminder that if you’re poor in Kenya, you’re pretty much on your own when it comes to staying healthy.
So, What’s Next? A “Culture of Lies” Is Here to Stay
Bottom line: Kenya’s bishops are not impressed with the state of affairs under Ruto’s leadership. A culture of lies, a spike in violence, and unchecked corruption are just the tip of the iceberg. So, if you thought this government was going to live up to its promises, well, you might want to lower your expectations… and prepare for more of the same.
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