Let's focus on truth, Ruto tells Catholic bishops after hard-hitting statement

President William Ruto has fired back at Catholic bishops who have criticised his administration, urging them to remain factual in their public statements to avoid spreading misinformation.

Speaking on Friday at a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University, an institution owned by the Catholic Church, Ruto appealed to religious leaders to work with the government to foster national unity and build a stronger Kenya.

While the President did not directly name the bishops in his remarks, his comments came in response to a scathing statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who had raised concerns over his administration's handling of several issues, including taxation, corruption, and unfulfilled promises.

"Even as we engage in public discourse on matters important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual, lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing... I know you, I know what I mean," Ruto said.

on Thursday, the bishops slammed the government over its fiscal policies, particularly the burden of taxation on citizens, and its failure to honour its promises, including payments to essential service providers.

They also raised concerns over the alleged abductions by state security agencies and the deteriorating state of the country's healthcare sector, especially faith-based hospitals, which they claim are owed billions by the government in unpaid dues.

Vulnerable communities

While acknowledging the importance of taxation for government revenue, the KCCB urged the government to address the plight of vulnerable communities, particularly concerning unpaid bills owed to faith-based institutions.

Responding to these claims, government officials quickly issued statements defending the Ruto administration.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi dismissed the bishops' assertion that Kenya's education sector was in crisis, insisting that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and higher education funding were progressing well.

"The government has taken proactive measures to ensure the noble objectives of CBC are achieved," he said.

Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa also addressed the bishops' concerns over unpaid debts to health providers, including faith-based hospitals.

Barasa labelled the claims as "misleading" and reassured the public that the government was committed to clearing historical debts.

She said that in the past month alone, Sh7.58 billion had been mobilised to settle arrears, with Sh5.05 billion already disbursed, including Sh938 million for faith-based facilities.

Meanwhile, politicians allied with the government, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, fiercely criticised the bishops.

Ichung'wah challenged the clergy to provide evidence of corruption, urging them to share any information they had with the relevant authorities.

"If you have any information on corrupt legislators, please furnish it to investigative agencies or name them publicly," Ichung'wah said.

The bishops' remarks came amid growing tensions over issues of governance and accountability in Kenya, leading to heated exchanges between the political class and the clergy.

President Ruto, however, has called on the need for unity and constructive dialogue.

"Let's work together towards a nation we can all be proud of," he said.