Catholic Archbishop urges Ruto to focus on Kenyans' grievances over state appointments

Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese Archbishop Anthony Muheria has advised President William Ruto to focus on addressing issues raised by Kenyans rather than state appointments.

Archbishop Muheria, a vocal cleric known for highlighting the issues plaguing Kenyan society, warned the political class not to squander the opportunity provided by protesters to address concerns about governance and leadership.

He argued that Ruto's administration has focused on allocating positions to political classes in the name of an all-inclusive, broad-based approach, while the grievances raised by protesters linger.

Archbishop Muheria's remarks were in response to four key Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members joining President William Ruto's reconstituted cabinet.

The Head of State nominated National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, ODM chairman John Mbadi (Nominated MP), and deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretaries for Energy, Treasury, Cooperatives, and Mining, respectively.

Archbishop Muheria further advised the president to prioritise integrity among the individuals he appoints to serve with him, addressing one of the key demands of Generation Z.

Ruto, he argued, ought to also consult widely and not rush to make appointments that will further plunge the country into uncertainty.

President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and DP Rigathi Gachagua head to address the media at KICC, Nairobi, on July 10, 2024, after Ruto signed into law the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

"Integrity is also hearing not what you want to hear but what is being said and allowing yourself to be critiqued, criticised, corrected, and suggestions made to you. Suggestions that may not be according to your way of thinking but yes will help to build this noble and great Kenya that all of us really are longing for," he noted.

According to the cleric, failure by politicians to listen to Kenyans could polarise the country, resulting in discontentment.

"Inclusive conversations include listening deeply to people who don't think like you.... deep listening that is broad. That is beyond the leadership of politics, that is with the religious leaders, that is with the young people, that is with the workers, that is with the journalists. It cannot be an instrumented dialogue," noted Archbishop Muheria.

Ruto's government has faced month-long protests triggered by the withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. Ruto was forced to not only withdraw the Bill but also dismiss and reconstitute his cabinet.

Archbishop Muheria, in line with the developments, urged Ruto's administration to clearly demonstrate the steps it is taking to address the concerns raised by discontented Kenyans who have been voicing their grievances. Ruto called for national dialogue, but Archbishop Muheria believes the clamour harbours selfish interests.

"Dialogue seems to have gotten the idea of what is the share that I get. What's in this for me? No, it's an inclusive discussion... conversation, where I listen to what you have to say. And when I listen, I make it mine and find out how I can find space for what you've told me in my discourse and in my action—that is what this country needs [sic]," he added.

The Archbishop implored Ruto to seize the opportunity granted by protesters to ensure that his government is composed of individuals with the highest integrity.

From left: Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga and Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho during a past ODM event. (Photo: ODM)