‘Kenya deserves better’: Catholic bishops slam Ruto gov’t over rights abuses, misrule

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has delivered a scathing indictment of President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of enabling extrajudicial killings, silencing dissent, and mismanaging public resources while ignoring the suffering of ordinary Kenyans.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, bishops of the Catholic Church’s 30 dioceses across the country expressed alarm over what they described as a disturbing collapse of justice, accountability, and human dignity under the current administration.

“When those charged with upholding law and order become the source of fear and injustice, it signals a moral crisis in the State,” the bishops warned.

They pointed to a pattern of mysterious disappearances, unlawful killings, and violent intimidation by security forces.

Referencing recent deaths, including those of fathers John Maim and Allois Bett, activist Albert Ojwang, and the point-blank shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi, the bishops demanded full investigations and prosecution of perpetrators.

“The life of every Kenyan matters. We must stop at the loss of any life and not simply ‘move on’. Kenya deserves better,” the bishops said.

They criticized the government’s harsh crackdown on youth-led protests, particularly by Gen Z demonstrators who took to the streets last year over high taxes and lack of opportunities.

Instead of listening, the bishops said, state agencies responded with brutality, abductions, and killings.

“Our young people are not enemies of the state,” the bishops said. “They are citizens with valid concerns who should be heard and supported—not harassed, silenced, or killed.”

The bishops further denounced the politicization of development funds, accusing government leaders of engaging in cronyism and vote-driven giveaways while basic needs like education, healthcare, and youth empowerment remain underfunded.

“Public resources are being used for political advertisement, not national development,” they said. “This entrenches corruption and deepens inequality. Governance should serve the common good—not partisan interests.”

At the same time, the bishops decried what they termed as selective application of justice, saying that powerful individuals seem to be operating above the law while poor and outspoken citizens face swift punishment.

“This imbalance discredits our institutions and breeds resentment. The law must not be weaponized,” they said.

Now, the church has called for independent investigations into human rights abuses, protection of civic space, equal application of the law, an end to rule by fear, and genuine national dialogue involving youth, faith leaders, and civil society.

“The government must stop ignoring the deaths of Kenyans. True leadership listens, heals, and restores,” the bishops said.

They also urged Kenyans to remain hopeful, further telling the youth: “Your voice is vital. Remain peaceful, truthful, and courageous.”