Catholic bishops in Kenya have strongly condemned the insults between President William Ruto and opposition leaders, calling for politicians to reduce harsh language in public. The statement came during the installation of Bishop Joseph Mwongela as bishop of the Machakos Diocese.
Catholic bishops in Kenya have condemned the ongoing insults exchanged between President William Ruto and opposition leaders. Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, spoke on the matter yesterday during the official installation of Bishop Joseph Mwongela as bishop of the Machakos Diocese, following the retirement of Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua. The event took place in Machakos and was attended by the Papal Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus van Megen, who announced that Bishop Mwongela would continue serving as administrator of the Kitui Diocese until a new bishop is appointed. Archbishop Muhatia stated that the public insults undermine leaders' dignity and disrespect citizens. “You insult each other publicly in front of the people; you not only disrespect each other but also the citizens. That is the message you send us,” he said. He added that such language harms the youth and children watching their leaders, setting a poor example. Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti urged leaders to show respect to prevent youth imitation and national unrest. She emphasized protecting national unity. The harsh exchanges between Ruto and opposition led by Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for the Citizens Party dominated discussions.