In recent days, Kenya has been buzzing with criticism from prominent clergy members regarding President William Ruto’s recent nominations for Cabinet Secretaries.
The bishops and religious leaders argue that these appointments have not only fallen short of public expectations but have also fueled ongoing protests across the country.
The discontent began when President Ruto announced his latest Cabinet nominees, including Kithure Kindiki for the position of Interior and Aden Duale for Defence. These choices have sparked a wave of criticism from various quarters, especially within the clergy.
Bishop Charles Ong'injo of the ACK Maseno South Diocese was one of the first to speak out against the President’s decisions.
In a recent statement, Ong'injo expressed his disappointment, accusing Ruto of employing strategies that are worsening the current crisis rather than resolving it.
He claimed that the President's actions have only increased public anger and have potentially extended the protests.
“What the President has done is he has made people more angry and probably he doesn't want people to leave the protests,” Bishop Ong'injo said. “He is refuelling the protests and even when he is asking who is funding the Gen Z protests, I think he is the greatest funder by the kind of action he is taking.”
The criticism is not limited to Bishop Ong'injo; other religious figures have also voiced their concerns about the nominations and the overall handling of the political situation.
The Maseno ACK Bishop highlighted the need for greater accountability and a more thorough vetting process for the nominated Cabinet members.
He emphasized that the list of nominees did not meet the expectations of Kenyans and that those responsible for vetting the candidates should be held accountable for their decisions.
“As we move forward, those responsible for vetting should be told if we feel like they're not doing a good job because the list was not what Kenyans expected,” he stated.
The Nakuru Catholic Bishop also joined in the critique, warning of severe consequences if the political tension continues to escalate. He stressed that if the country falls apart, the impact on ordinary Kenyans would be devastating, with everyday life becoming even more challenging.
“If the country disintegrates, the yoke on ordinary Kenyans will be heavy and life will be harder than before. The time has come to engage more strategically and refrain from brutal force that can erode the well-intended peaceful protests,” the Nakuru Catholic Bishop cautioned.
These comments come against a backdrop of growing frustration and protests, particularly among Kenya's younger generation.
The youth have been at the forefront of demonstrations, expressing their dissatisfaction with various aspects of the government’s performance and policies.
The dissatisfaction with the Cabinet nominations is part of a larger wave of public unrest. Many Kenyans feel that the President’s choices do not address the core issues that have led to the current protests.
Instead, they argue that the nominations are seen as a mere continuation of the status quo, failing to bring about the meaningful change that many are demanding.
The protests have become a significant aspect of Kenya’s political landscape, highlighting the deep-seated issues that many citizens believe have been ignored or inadequately addressed by the government.
Many people are calling for a more inclusive and responsive government that listens to the needs of its citizens and takes meaningful steps to address their concerns.
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