Give us a break! Archbishop Muhatia blasts politicians over verbal exchange

Kisumu Archbishop Maurice Muhatia has called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances.

The archbishop warned that rising cases of verbal abuse are eroding public confidence and damaging the country’s image.

Speaking on Thursday in Machakos, the Archbishop expressed concern about the growing indiscipline among leaders, saying their conduct is negatively influencing young people and embarrassing the nation.

“I call upon leaders, especially political leaders, to exercise restraint. The children listening to you are shocked, and the young people are traumatised because in you is represented the collapse of their aspiration for leadership,” he said.

Muhatia noted that adults are equally disillusioned, describing some leaders as a poor representation of their generation.

He urged leaders to be mindful of their words, cautioning that not everything that crosses their minds should be expressed publicly.

“When you publicly insult each other in front of citizens, you don’t just disrespect each other—you disrespect the citizens as well. This country belongs to more than 50 million Kenyans, not just yourselves. The verbal indiscipline we’re experiencing is indicative of something worse,” he said.

The archbishop emphasised that disagreement among leaders is acceptable, but should be expressed respectfully without resorting to insults.

Muhatia urged feuding leaders to resolve their differences privately rather than subjecting the public to their disputes.

“Disagreement is okay, but insulting each other in public is a disgrace. Give us a break. If you must insult each other, go somewhere private, finish, and come back to join us in nation-building,” he said.

He reiterated that while Kenyans respect and support their leaders, such conduct undermines national unity and dignity.

“We love our country, and we love our leaders, but not when you do things like this. You are embarrassing this great nation,” he said.

Muhatia called for a renewal of leadership values, urging leaders to uphold respect and guide the country towards unity and progress.

His remarks come at a time when the opposition and President William Ruto have been engaging in public verbal altercations.

Ruto continued his sharp criticism of opposition leaders, particularly presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i, as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 general election.

The President aimed at Matiang’i over his “eating habits and physical fitness.”

“I have not claimed that you eat at my place, I have just asked you to reduce the portions,” Ruto said.

“And if you were eating at my place, I would have reduced the amounts you eat."

The President urged opposition leaders to adopt healthier lifestyles, arguing that discipline in personal habits was necessary for effective leadership.

“They should reduce the portion and also exercise so that they do not sleep in rallies and meetings,” Ruto said. “They should reduce the weight and maybe then they will have an agenda and then come to face me in 2027. For now, they do not have any agenda.”

The remarks come a day after the President launched a similar attack while addressing residents in Chwele, Bungoma county, where he appeared to respond to criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who had previously commented on his physical appearance.

“Kwanza mimi nauliza wengine waende gym… Wacheni kula chakula mingi… Tumbo karibu inapasuka…” Ruto said in Swahili, in comments widely interpreted as targeting opposition figures.

He defended his own lifestyle, saying it reflects discipline and focus.