Kenya’s Catholic Bishops Distance Themselves from Petition to Oust President, Commit to “multi-stakeholder engagement”

The Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu added, “Our name was included on the petition without consultation.”

Archbishop Muhatia appealed for dialogue and other peaceful means to end the anti-government protests that have reportedly seen at least 60 Kenyans lose their lives and 400 left nursing critical injuries.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

“We believe the ongoing crisis is not insurmountable, and hence accords the nation an opportunity to find a lasting solution through genuine dialogue and multi- stakeholder consultations,” the Kenyan Catholic Archbishop said, adding that the July 27 Episcopal Consecration event was “a valuable opportunity” for KCCB members “to reflect briefly on the state of our Nation.”

On July 11, President Ruto dissolved his Cabinet, as well as the office of the Attorney General, explaining that his decision was based on “listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said.”

The Kenyan President has since reconstituted the Cabinet, reinstating some of the previous Cabinet Secretaries and incorporating officials of one of the constituent parties of the opposition coalition, the Azimio One Kenya Alliance, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

In his July 27 statement, the Chairman of KCCB said that genuine and inclusive dialogue “should not be about sharing political positions” but about building a prosperous and inclusive nation where everyone feels they belong.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

Archbishop Muhatia called on the President Ruto-led government to embrace constitutionalism and create an environment where “citizens receive value for their taxes.”

President Ruto has responded to the petition seeking his ouster, noting that the petitioners are free to exercise their democratic rights enshrined in the constitution.

“The 14 Kenyans who have gone to court are exercising their democratic right. That is how free this country is. You can actually go to any court and demand what you want; that is a taste of the freedom that I stand for in Kenya,” President Ruto said at a public event in Kenya’s coastal town of Mombasa.

Meanwhile, KCCB members have lauded the Gen-Z protests in Kenya, saying the country’s youths are showing the direction they wish to see the country take.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

“Our young people have spoken loudly and eloquently about the direction they wish to see our nation take. Through social media and demonstrations, they have made it clear that we cannot continue doing things the same old way,” Archbishop Muhatia said at the July 27 Episcopal Consecration in Isiolo.

He called on Kenya’s government “not to harden their hearts” but to listen to the voices of the youth.

(Story continues below)

“On the other hand, we appeal to the youth to embrace structured dialogue in order for their concerns to be taken into consideration by the relevant authorities,” the Archbishop of Kisumu said.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

Archbishop Muhatia went on to reiterate KCCB members’ stance against rampant corruption in Kenya, saying it is graft that continues to deny Kenyans essential services “and must therefore be eradicated at all levels.”

He challenged the Kenyan government to come up with long-term strategies of ensuring youths of the East African nation secure employment opportunities.

The Chairman of KCCB said that over-taxation without corresponding services is driving the majority of Kenyans into poverty. He underlined “an urgent need” for lawmakers in Kenya to review the various taxation policies by ensuring the laws protect the poor.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

Archbishop Muhatia also expressed concern that what had been peaceful protests, with young people airing out their justifiable demands, had been infiltrated with goons wreaking havoc against innocent civilians through looting and destruction of property.

“We are concerned about those taking advantage of these demonstrations to loot businesses and harm demonstrators. We appeal to the security agencies to rein in these law breakers,” he said.

Credit: Caritas Isiolo

The Kenyan Catholic Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry as Bishop of Nakuru Diocese in February 2010, and added, “As a democratic country, we must all uphold the rule of law. Let there be justice for all the victims as we appeal for calm and peace in our nation.”

“Inspired by the words of Isaiah 1:18, let us seize this moment to come together and reason with one another about the future of our beloved country. Let us join hands for the sake of current and future generations,” he said.

Archbishop Muhatia implored, “May Our Mother Mary intercede for our nation so that peace and prosperity may abound. In the words of our national anthem, may we dwell in unity, peace, and liberty, and may plenty be found within our borders. God bless Kenya!”