Speaking at the burial of the late Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo, Ichung’wah expressed concern over what he called increasing church involvement in political affairs.
“We have recently seen some religious leaders abandon their work of guiding us spiritually and instead engage in political debates,” Ichung’wah said.
He was particularly critical of church leaders who have raised concerns about debts owed to faith-based hospitals under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
According to him, these same leaders remained silent when public funds were allegedly misused under the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“Those debts came from NHIF, but when money was being stolen there, we did not hear any complaints. Now that SHIF has inherited these debts, suddenly, there is an outcry,” he remarked.
Ichung’wah acknowledged the important role religious institutions play in healthcare but insisted that governance should be left to elected leaders.
“I ask our church leaders to return to their spiritual roles.
Let them guide us toward God’s service and leave governance matters to those chosen for that responsibility,” he added.
Ichung’wah’s remarks come amid strong criticism from the Catholic Church over the government’s handling of the healthcare system.
Archbishop Anthony Muheria has accused the government of focusing more on publicity than service delivery.
“There has to be less talk and more action. Governance is not about promotions—it is about real work,” Muheria said on February 21, 2025.
He described the Social Health Authority (SHA), which manages SHIF, as a failure, saying it has made the healthcare crisis worse.
Muheria revealed that Catholic hospitals are struggling financially because of delayed payments from the government.
“For instance, Nyeri Catholic Hospital is owed Ksh 250 million, while Catholic hospitals across the country are waiting for Ksh 2.6 billion in unpaid reimbursements,” he stated.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has defended the church’s right to speak on national issues.
“I thank the Catholic Church for stepping up because Parliament has failed to represent the people,” Salasya said on February 22, 2025.
He praised the clergy for being the voice of ordinary Kenyans.
“That’s why we are seeing the Catholic Church speaking up. The Holy Spirit is guiding them to represent citizens,” he added.
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