‘Let’s be factual’ – Ruto requires constructive criticism after clergy’s disapproval of his govt – Folks Every day

President William Ruto has known as on the clergy to prioritize details and keep away from half-truths when tackling public issues.

Speaking throughout the commencement ceremony at Tangaza University in Nairobi County on Friday, November 15, 2024, the president warned in opposition to the hazards of spreading misinformation.

President Ruto highlighted the dangers of participating in discussions with out verifying details, stressing that such actions may undermine the very values people declare to defend. 

The Head of State emphasised the duty of public figures to set an instance in selling integrity and factual dialogue in issues that have an effect on the individuals they lead.

“I want to ask all of us; leaders, the clergy, Kenyans – to work together towards a nation that we can all be proud of. And even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual in matters of public interest lest we become victims of things we are accusing others of. I know you know what I mean,” the president mentioned.

“We are all united in the service of the people. That is why we are working with all leaders — the clergy included — towards a Kenya we can all be proud of. But even as we seek to hold each other accountable, we must endeavour to be constructive and factual,” Ruto wrote on his X account on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Bishops’ criticism

This comes scorching on the heels of a no-holds-barred press convention on Thursday, November 14, the place the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops let free a barrage of criticisms in opposition to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The bishops accused the federal government of fostering a ‘culture of lies’ and failing to handle urgent points affecting the nation, together with the continued abductions of its residents.

They criticized the federal government’s perceived lack of integrity and failure to meet marketing campaign guarantees. They highlighted rising public frustration over unmet expectations and questioned the federal government’s priorities.

“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” the bishops mentioned.

They additionally expressed concern about what they known as a diminishing respect for reality in public management.

“The culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve. Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the government says. Unfortunately, it seems that the Kenyans have helplessly tolerated the lies told to them constantly by the politicians. Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that the politicians tell them, but rather must resolve to seek and be led by the truth,” the bishops acknowledged.

The clergy’s criticism has sparked combined reactions, with some United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politicians firing again on the non secular leaders, accusing them of overstepping their function and politicizing their sermons.