President William Ruto has once again reacted to the harsh criticism Catholic bishops recently served his government with.
Speaking during the consecration of Bishop Peter Kimani of the Catholic Diocese of Embu, the president suggested he got the message the clerics were trying to send.
Ruto spoke in front of the bishops who held the hard-hitting presser on Thursday, November 14.
"I have had quite an experience this week with the Catholic church. Today, I am in Embu for the consecration of Bishop Peter Kimani. Yesterday, I was at the graduation of Tangaza University, which is managed by the Catholic church. The other day, I got greetings from the Catholic bishops. So, for the week to end well, I think I will look for a Catholic church to attend this Sunday's service," the president said amid cheers.
The president's sentiments came two days after the Catholic clerics called out his administration for corruption and high taxation among other maladministration issues.
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The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) criticised the Kenya Kwanza government for its unfulfilled promises to Kenyans.
While addressing a press conference on Thursday, the clergy warned Ruto that Kenyans were losing faith in his administration.
The bishops cited the country's challenges, such as the controversy in the healthcare insurance scheme, the university funding model, and corruption.
The men of cloth also expressed that most people in government were pursuing personal interests instead of working for Kenyans.
"The culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve. Basically, it is seen that the truth does not exist and if it does, it is what the government says," read the statement in part.
"Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that the politicians tell them. When the government fails to fulfill its promises such as paying service providers, then it harms society. This is the case of NHIF."
On the other hand, the clergy cautioned the government over the latest tax proposals that were tabled in Parliament by the Treasury.
According to the bishops, the move was an attempt to revive the Finance Bill 2024, which was largely opposed by Kenyans and led to the Gen Z protests.
Additionally, government institutions were called upon to address the rising cases of insecurity, which include abductions by security agencies.
The Bishops also want Ruto to fastrack the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) and address the unemployment among the youth.
