Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, has called on church leaders to adopt a fair and consistent approach when engaging with the government, urging them to support President William Ruto’s administration in fostering national unity and contributing to the country’s economic recovery.
Speaking on Friday, Wandayi emphasized the importance of a balanced and honest assessment of Kenya’s progress, particularly as the country begins to recover from previous challenges. He expressed concern over what he described as inconsistent messaging from some church leaders, especially in light of the significant strides the government is making.
“We want them (church leaders) to be fair and to be consistent. Consistency is very important,” said Wandayi. “There are times when we have really wanted the church’s voice to be heard but we haven’t heard it. Now, things are improving, the country is now on the trajectory of recovery, yet the church is painting a very gloomy picture. It is not fair at all.”
Wandayi noted that the timing of recent criticism from some religious leaders coincided with a period when the government is working diligently to deliver on its mandate to the people of Kenya. He urged the church to reconsider its tone and join efforts to unite the nation as it navigates through its recovery phase.
“We wonder why this is happening only when the broad-based government has been put in place. We want to plead with the church to help us in these efforts to unite the country and to make our country grow economically in a cohesive manner,” he said.
The remarks by CS Wandayi follow a statement issued by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) the previous day, in which the bishops criticized the government for allegedly engaging in dishonesty and failing to meet its promises to the people. The bishops also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of state security agencies in abductions and called for the end of a “culture of lies.” They further urged the government to address issues in the health and education sectors.
However, President William Ruto responded to the bishops’ criticism on Friday, urging them to be truthful and objective in their criticism. The President called for a fair evaluation of the government’s efforts and progress, highlighting that constructive criticism should be grounded in facts.
CS Wandayi echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that while the church has a role to play in guiding the nation, it must also be mindful of the broader efforts being made to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“The church must be a partner in the country’s growth and unity. It is crucial that its messages contribute positively to the national discourse, especially during these challenging times,” Wandayi concluded.
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