Bishops Decry 'Culture of Lies' and Unfulfilled Pledges

NAIROBI – Kenya's Catholic bishops have delivered a powerful condemnation of President William Ruto's government, accusing it of fostering a “culture of lies” and failing to deliver on its election promises. In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, November 14, 2025, from Nairobi, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) painted a grim picture of the nation's state of affairs, highlighting widespread disillusionment among the populace. Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, the KCCB Chairman, stated that truth seems to be defined solely by the government's narrative, undermining the integrity Kenyans deserve. The bishops asserted that despite a superficial calm, there is significant public anxiety and eroding trust in the government's ability to manage the country.

Economic Hardship and Oppressive Taxation

A central theme of the bishops' critique was the severe economic hardship faced by ordinary Kenyans. They pointed to an oppressive and burdensome tax regime as a primary cause of suffering, suggesting it may be a covert attempt to reintroduce the highly contested 2024 Finance Bill. The clergy have consistently voiced concerns over rising taxes, which they argue are crippling businesses, leading to job losses, and pushing basic commodities out of reach for many. The KCCB lamented that their previous calls for wider consultation on economic policies and for a balance between government revenue generation and the protection of citizens' basic needs have been largely ignored. They emphasized that the high cost of living is strangling the poor and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Deteriorating Human Rights and Governance

The bishops expressed grave concern over Kenya's deteriorating human rights record under the current administration. Their statement condemned a surge in abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, particularly targeting those critical of the government. This criticism aligns with concerns previously raised by civil society groups and international diplomats. The KCCB also pointed to internal political wrangling within the government, which they said has deepened divisions and fostered an environment of mistrust. Furthermore, the bishops highlighted unresolved issues in key sectors, including confusion in the education system, particularly regarding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and significant problems with the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Healthcare and Education in Crisis

The statement specifically addressed the crisis in the healthcare sector, noting that faith-based hospitals are on the brink of collapse due to billions of shillings in unpaid dues from the now-defunct NHIF. The bishops revealed that they had raised this issue directly with President Ruto to no avail, leaving vulnerable communities at risk. In education, the clergy lamented delays in school capitation, teacher shortages, and a lack of clear guidance on the CBC, contributing to what they termed as 'astounding confusion'. They also criticized the government for increasing work permit fees for missionaries from Sh15,000 to Sh150,000, calling the move unethical and a show of ingratitude.

Government's Reaction

The bishops' sharp critique prompted a swift, albeit indirect, response from the administration. Speaking at a university graduation on Friday, November 15, 2025, President Ruto urged all leaders, including the clergy, to be “careful to be factual” in public discourse, warning them not to “become victims of what we accuse others of doing.” This response was seen as a thinly veiled rebuttal to the church's accusations. Other government officials also moved to counter the bishops' claims, indicating the statement had rattled the administration. The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) later issued a statement in support of the Catholic bishops, affirming that they spoke the minds of many Kenyans.