Kirinyaga Women Representative, Njeri Maina, has come out strongly in defense of the Catholic Bishops and the wider clergy after they faced intense political backlash following their criticism of the government’s handling of various national issues. Speaking out on Friday, Maina condemned the attacks against the church, emphasizing that the clergy, like any other citizen, have the constitutional right to express their opinions on matters affecting the country.
Maina’s defense comes in response to the statements made by Catholic bishops on Thursday, where they raised alarm over several pressing issues facing Kenya. Among their concerns, the bishops called attention to the country’s deteriorating situation, including the growing number of abductions allegedly perpetrated by state security agencies, overtaxation of citizens, and the mounting arrears owed to faith-based hospitals by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Despite their criticism, which is not uncommon for religious leaders who often speak out on social and political matters, the bishops found themselves under fierce attack from government officials. Cabinet Secretaries for Education, Julius Migosi, and Health, Debra Barasa, issued statements refuting the claims made by the church, insisting that the government was addressing the concerns raised.
In her response, Maina reminded the government and its supporters that when the church initially supported the administration, declaring it as “God ordained,” the same critics had welcomed those remarks. She questioned why the church should now be vilified simply for exercising its constitutional right to free expression, as outlined in Articles 32 and 33 of Kenya’s Constitution of 2010.
“The church has a right to express itself without unwarranted political attacks. When the church said that this government was God ordained, the same people now attacking it were happy. Let them take the current criticism in good faith,” Maina remarked.
The bishops’ criticism particularly touched on issues related to the country’s over-taxation, which they argued was burdening ordinary citizens. They also pointed out that the government had failed to fulfill its promises, especially when it came to settling dues owed to essential service providers, including faith-based hospitals. The National Catholic Secretariat claimed that these hospitals are owed billions of shillings by NHIF, a situation that has negatively impacted their ability to provide health services to the public.
In response, Education CS Julius Migosi vehemently denied the bishops’ claims regarding the education sector. He argued that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was being implemented successfully and that the sector had made significant investments to ensure its success. He dismissed suggestions that the education system was on the brink of collapse, calling them baseless and misleading.
Similarly, Health CS Debra Barasa refuted the bishops’ allegations about the state of public health insurance, stating that the government had mobilized over Sh7.5 billion to clear outstanding debts from the defunct NHIF. Barasa also emphasized that Sh5.05 billion had already been paid to various health providers, including Sh938 million to faith-based hospitals, countering the church’s claims of neglect.
The political fallout from the bishops’ statements did not end with the Cabinet Secretaries. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot were among those who took to social media and the press to challenge the bishops’ remarks. They accused the clergy of being dishonest in their critique, especially after the government had made efforts to clear debts owed to health providers. They also urged the bishops to provide evidence if they had any information linking legislators to corruption.
Ichung’wah, in particular, took issue with the bishops’ accusations of corruption, challenging them to present tangible evidence to investigative bodies rather than making general allegations. “If you have any information on corrupt legislators, please furnish it to the relevant authorities,” he said, calling for transparency in dealing with such serious claims.
Maina’s defense of the clergy, however, highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and religious leaders in Kenya. The church, historically an important voice in Kenya’s political landscape, has often been at odds with the government when it comes to issues of social justice, human rights, and governance. As the political debate continues, it is clear that the relationship between Kenya’s leadership and its religious institutions remains a dynamic and often contentious one.
In conclusion, while the church’s critique may have sparked political controversy, Maina’s call for respect for their right to speak freely underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles, including the protection of free expression, especially in matters that concern the well-being of the nation.
