By Shadrack Nyakoe
Church leaders from Nyanza region have issued a statement criticizing the state of governance in Kenya and calling for urgent reforms to address the plight of ordinary citizens.
Speaking at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, the leaders condemned the government for failing to deliver on its promises and warned against oppressive policies that undermine democracy.
Quoting Proverbs 29:2, they highlighted the role of leadership in uplifting citizens, contrasting it with the current situation, which they described as oppressive and exclusionary.
The leaders expressed deep concern over the erosion of opposition voices in the region following the formation of a broad-based government, which they claim has marginalized legitimate leadership and silenced grievances.
The church leaders accused the government of prioritizing power consolidation over the welfare of Kenyans. They lamented the deteriorating quality of education, citing the challenges of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Junior Secondary School (JSS) transitions, as well as ongoing university funding issues and the unresolved demands of lecturers. They argued that these failures are jeopardizing the future of the country’s workforce.
In addition, they criticized the government’s delay in releasing county funds, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine devolution. This, they argued, has resulted in a lack of essential services at the county level, further deepening inequalities.
They warned that such actions could lead to civil disobedience, including a refusal to pay taxes, to pressure the government into equitable resource distribution.
On healthcare, the leaders highlighted the mismanagement of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and expressed skepticism about the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
They demanded comprehensive reforms, including free cancer treatment at county hospitals, better access to medication, and improved working conditions for healthcare professionals.
The clergy also voiced alarm over the state of insecurity in the country, calling for the devolution of security services to enhance accountability.
They decried incidents of gender-based violence and extrajudicial killings, accusing the government of using security agencies to target political opponents rather than addressing criminal activities.
Corruption and judicial inefficiency were also key issues raised. The church leaders criticized the judiciary for failing to check government excesses and accused it of aligning with the executive.
They singled out Chief Justice Martha Koome for her perceived proximity to the presidency, urging greater independence in the judiciary’s operations.
The leaders called on President William Ruto to provide transparency on several matters, including state appointments, foreign travel expenditures, and the state of the office of the first and second ladies.
They also demanded the reinstatement of a fair university funding model and swift action to resolve the lecturers’ pay dispute.
Concluding their address, the church leaders emphasized the need for a government that respects the dignity of Kenyans and delivers on its promises.
They vowed to continue advocating for justice and fairness, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens over political expediency.