Following a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14 in which they criticized President William Ruto’s government, several leaders allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party have come forward to defend the administration. Baringo Women Representative Florence Jematiah Sergon was among the leaders who spoke out in response to the statement by the clerics.
In their pointed statement, the Catholic had bishops accused President Ruto’s government of failing Kenyans, citing issues such as unexplained killings, abductions, widespread corruption, and a growing culture of deception.
They also criticized the government for fostering an environment where citizens have become desensitized to the lies propagated by politicians.
Jematiah in her response went on to condemn the clerics for their criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging them to show respect for the authority in power.
“The Church should respect the authority in power. Stop demeaning the Government and unnecessarily inciting other denominations. Let churches focus on their work of providing hope and faith to the believers,” she said in a statement on November 19.
Florence Jematiah forced to apologize
However, the statement by Jematiah sparked an online uproar sparked among Kenyans.
“You possess neither the ethical standing nor the moral probity to pontificate to the church on any matter,” responded Safina Party deputy leader and lawyer Willis Otieno.
Erick Kiprono added, “You are wrong my sister. rebuking Kings and those in authority has always been part of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Rebuke does not mean “hate’’ it means love.”
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“It’s important to recognize that churches have a role in shaping society, providing hope, faith and moral guidance to individuals. The church role is also on advocating for the well beings of citizens. What’s wrong with them?” Mavokesaba questioned.
Following the reactions the Women representative was forced to take a more measured tone, taking back her words and apologizing to the religious leaders for attacking them for their criticisms of the government.
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“Hello Kenyans, I have gone through all the comments on my previous post about Churches. I hereby withdraw my statement and apologize. I had to agree with you all that churches should be left to do their work and can include oversight because believers are citizens.” she said.
President Ruto’s government condemned
Jematiah’s statement came days after Catholic Bishops condemned President Ruto’s administration and criticized it for fostering an environment where citizens have become accustomed to the lies propagated by politicians.
Also Read: Catholic Church Rejects Ruto’s Millions and Bus
The bishops further condemned the ruling administration over the unexplained killings, abductions, and widespread corruption while calling it out for a growing culture of deception.
President Ruto while speaking on November 16 during a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University responded to the bishops’ statement and asked members of the clergy to be careful of what they discuss publicly.
“Even as we engage in public discourse in matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing,” said the President as the crowd burst into laughter. “You know what I mean.”
Other religious leaders have also come out to call out the government following the statement by Catholic bishops.
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) on November 18 voiced its support for the Roman Catholic Church in criticizing Ruto’s administration.
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