Catholic bishops issue stark warning over governance

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned of rising insecurity, corruption, healthcare failures and moral decline, saying they threaten Kenya’s social and political stability.

Addressing the media at Donum Dei, Roussel House in Karen, the bishops said unexplained killings, corruption and a struggling healthcare system are undermining the sanctity and dignity of human life.

They warned that organised violence involving “goons” cannot thrive without protection from powerful individuals, alleging that such activities are taking place in plain sight of security agencies.

“The proliferation of the culture of goons used to intimidate, bring disruptions in meetings, and even kill can only thrive if it is sponsored and protected by powerful individuals,” the bishops said.

The clerics urged leaders to treat public office as a responsibility rather than an entitlement, while condemning rising levels of insult-driven political discourse.

“Public figures have a moral obligation to be civilised in their language and remain aware that children and young people are watching,” they said.

The bishops also raised concern over a pattern of killings reminiscent of the Shakahola tragedy, citing deaths in Binzaro, Kilifi and Kericho, and warning of a growing disregard for human life.

They said such cases are often poorly investigated and quickly forgotten, especially when victims are poor and vulnerable.

On security and public safety, the bishops condemned rising road fatalities, particularly during the Easter period when more than 50 people reportedly died.

They called for stricter enforcement by traffic authorities and greater responsibility from motorists and commuters.

They also highlighted a deepening healthcare funding crisis, saying Catholic hospitals are owed over Sh5.7 billion, alongside additional historical debts from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund.

The bishops said the Social Health Authority scheme is underperforming and urged urgent reforms, warning that inefficiencies in the system are putting lives at risk.

“The overall performance remains poor. We should not continue going in circles at the expense of human life in need of medical care,” they said.

In education, the bishops questioned the implementation of the Competency-Based Education curriculum, describing it as poorly planned and resource-intensive. They called for a multi-sectoral review while safeguarding the role of religious sponsors in schools.

They further described corruption as deeply normalised in society, calling it an “axis of evil” and urging Kenyans to reject graft and reclaim moral accountability in public life.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, the bishops urged young people and eligible citizens to register as voters, saying participation remains key to shaping national leadership.

“A voter’s card is your only evidence in determining our leadership,” they said, framing civic engagement as a duty toward restoring justice and national integrity.