AFRICA/KENYA - Bishops warn political leaders: "Stop insulting each other; you are causing scandal to children and young people"

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “The verbal indiscipline we are experiencing is indicative of something worse,” said Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu, President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in a message expressing his concern about the sharp rise in abusive language in political debates.
On behalf of the country's bishops, Archbishop Muhatia stated: “We are deeply concerned about the developments in the country. We want to call for restraint and decorum in public speaking.” The president of the KCCB is making an urgent appeal to the country's political leaders, emphasizing the negative impact of such a level of political debate on young people and children: "The children listening to you are shocked, the young people listening to you are traumatised because in you is represented the collapse of their aspiration for leadership." "The adults listening to you are embarrassed; you are a poor representation of our generation," says the president of the bishops' conference.
"When you publicly insult each other in front of the citizens, you are showing disrespect not only to each other but also to the citizens. That is the message you are sending us. Not everything that comes to mind should be spoken," he emphasizes.
Msgr. Muhatia stresses that politicians should serve the people and therefore asks them to exercise restraint, because "this country belongs to more than 50 million Kenyans and not only to yourselves."
“We pray for you, that you may lead the people to the goal indicated by God. Kenya is loved by God, and we expect only the best from those who are to represent us and lead our country to greatness,” Archbishop Muhatia concludes.
The bishops are speaking out against a backdrop of growing political tensions in Kenya. With the 2027 parliamentary elections approaching, there has been a growing trend toward aggressive rhetoric. Personal attacks, mockery of political opponents' appearances, and hate speech are increasingly prevalent in political debates.
In particular, the recent public clashes between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have drawn criticism from religious leaders and more than 20 civil society groups, who warn that such behavior undermines institutional credibility and national cohesion. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 20/3/2026)

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