Kenya's religious leaders have continued delivering blistering critiques of President William Ruto’s government, accusing his administration of perpetuating falsehoods, undermining democracy, and persistently betraying public trust. 

On Tuesday, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) became the latest church body to join this chorus of discontent, likening Kenya's current situation to a "patient in critical condition." 

Just over a week after the Catholic Church condemned President Ruto for embedding "lies as government policy," and the NCCK intensified the attack, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of persistent misinformation. 

In a joint statement signed by Chairman Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno Agola and General Secretary Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, the council urged Kenyans to reject deceitful narratives perpetuated by the current crop of political leaders.

“The challenges facing Kenya today are a direct result of our tendency to believe narratives peddled by those seeking power,” the statement stated. The church leaders called on citizens to be seekers of truth, encouraging them to critically verify political claims instead of accepting them at face value.

MPs: "Spanner Boys of the Executive"

In an unflinching rebuke, the NCCK accused Members of Parliament (MPs) of abandoning their constitutional role of overseeing the Executive. Instead of representing the interests of their constituents, MPs have become enablers of what the church described as oppressive policies and laws.

“Instead of speaking for the people, they are making oppressive laws. Instead of overseeing the Executive, they are cheerleaders in oppressing the people. This state is unsustainable,” the council declared. NCCK called on citizens to exercise their constitutional right to recall non-performing MPs, noting that elected leaders are accountable to their constituents.

IEBC paralysis

Central to the NCCK’s grievances is the stalled reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The NCCK accused the government of willfully neglecting its constitutional obligation to facilitate the IEBC’s reconstitution, framing it as an attack on democracy.

"The persistent refusal by the current political leadership to reconstitute the IEBC is a major insult to the people of Kenya," the council said. They urged citizens to demand action from the judiciary and political leaders, insisting that delays in addressing this issue are eroding public confidence in Kenya’s democratic institutions.

NCCK’s statement went beyond critique, rallying citizens to act decisively against what they view as a failing government. They urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights, from recalling ineffective MPs to demanding reforms within the electoral commission.

“As the electorate, you are the employer, not a servant, of Members of Parliament and other elected leaders. The right of recall is the disciplinary measure availed to us by the Constitution,” the NCCK noted. 

The church’s statement reflects a growing disillusionment with President Ruto’s leadership. The church's stance also signals its determination by the religious order to remain an influential voice in shaping the country's future, a role it has historically played during periods of political turmoil.

If President Ruto’s administration fails to address these concerns, it risks alienating a key section of civil society while further eroding public trust.

In recent weeks, Kenya’s church has positioned itself as a watchdog against what it perceives as the government’s failings, offering a scathing critique that reverberates across the nation. 

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