In a rare and powerful show of unity, Kenya’s Catholic bishops have launched a strong critique of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of presiding over a country where justice is fading, dissent is silenced, and public resources are abused while citizens continue to suffer.
Gathered in a joint statement representing all 30 dioceses under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the clerics painted a grim picture of the current state of the nation where fear, inequality, and impunity appear to be taking root at the heart of governance.
“When the institutions meant to protect become sources of terror and injustice, we are in the midst of a moral collapse,” the bishops declared.
They cited a string of chilling incidents mysterious disappearances, unlawful killings, and open brutality by state security forcesas evidence of the deteriorating respect for human life and the rule of law. Among the cases highlighted were the killings of Fathers John Maim and Allois Bett, activist Albert Ojwang, and Nairobi hawker Boniface Kariuki, who was reportedly shot in broad daylight. The bishops demanded thorough investigations and accountability for every life lost.
“No Kenyan’s life should be treated as expendable,” they said. “We must not grow numb to death. We cannot just ‘move on’.”
Their statement went further, slamming the government for its aggressive response to last year’s youth-led protests driven by rising costs, high taxes, and widespread frustration. They condemned the violent crackdowns on Gen Z demonstrators, accusing state agencies of responding to peaceful demands with abductions, intimidation, and even killings.
“These young people are not enemies of the state,” the bishops reminded. “They are citizens with dreams, fears, and valid demands. They deserve to be heard not hunted down.”
On governance, the bishops expressed deep concern over how public funds are being deployed, accusing government officials of using state resources for political marketing and loyalty-based handouts while core services such as health, education, and youth development suffer chronic neglect.
“National priorities have been reduced to political showmanship. Development is not a campaign tool,” they warned. “Cronyism and patronage are deepening divisions and feeding corruption.”
Their statement also challenged the justice system, pointing to a growing perception that Kenya’s laws are enforced selectively harsh and immediate for the poor and outspoken, but lenient or nonexistent for the powerful.
“This selective justice undermines institutions and fans public anger,” they said. “The law should unite and protect not punish selectively.”
The bishops have now called for urgent action: independent investigations into state-linked abuses, restoration of civic space, equal justice for all, and an end to governance by fear. They emphasized the need for genuine national dialogue that includes the youth, faith communities, and civil society.
“The government must stop ignoring the suffering and deaths of Kenyans. Real leadership listens. It does not dismiss. It heals, it unites, it restores,” the statement read.
Despite the strong rebuke, the bishops offered a message of hope to the public and especially to young people. Urging them to keep speaking out, they said: “Your voice matters. Stay peaceful, stay honest, and stay brave.”
