Bishop rebukes state over corruption and political goons, warns of anarchy

Corruption and political goons are to blame for underdevelopment in counties, a Catholic bishop has said.

Archbishop Dominic Kimengich said entrenched corruption is crippling counties, undermining services, and threatening Kenya’s security ahead of the 2027 elections.

He lamented that billions of shillings have been channelled to counties since the advent of devolution, with little to show for it in terms of tangible development.

“It’s like we devolved corruption and not development. Too much money has been sent to counties over the last decade, yet Kenyans see almost nothing in return," Kimengich said.

He spoke in Elgeyo Marakwet, where he toured several churches in the county.

The archbishop criticised the public service system, saying many qualified Kenyans struggle to secure jobs if they don't pay bribes or have personal connections.

“That is unfair and immoral,” he said, stressing that government positions should serve the public interest and not enrich a few people.

Kimengich condemned national agencies tasked with fighting corruption, including the EthicsandAnti-CorruptionCommissionand the police, for doing little to arrest and prosecute those looting public resources.

He called on leaders to safeguard national assets rather than exploit them, warning that mismanagement is weighing heavily on ordinary Kenyans.

Kimengich said the growing role of political goons ahead of next year’s general elections is alarming.

He said the goons have infiltrated security agencies, operate with impunity, and are even used to raid churches and assault worshippers.

“We cannot have a country where security is in the hands of gangs while a government exists,” he said.

He warned that the country risks sliding into anarchy if the impunity is not contained.

Kimengich urged the government to act decisively against corruption and political gangs to protect citizens and prevent societal collapse..