Catholic Bishops want President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act 2023 and have called on an immediate resumption of the failed bipartisan talks between the government and the Opposition and want Opposition leader Raila Odinga to call off the protests which have paralyzed activities in the capital and across the country.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)Â also condemned the incitement of Kenyans along tribal lines in some parts of the country.
Comprising KCCB Chair Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde (Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa), Archbishop Anthony Muheria (Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nyeri) among others, the bishops called out the brutality by police on demonstrators saying it undermines the basic principles of human rights.
”The high cost of living has created a burden on the family making it difficult for Kenyans to maintain a decent standard of living. The recently enacted Finance Act places an unsustainable burden to an already distressed citizens. We, therefore, ask the President to Repeal the Finance Act 2023. We strongly condemn the police brutality inflicted on innocent Kenyans during demonstrations,” the statement reads in part.
”Police brutality undermines the fundamental principles of human rights, justice and rule of law. We send a message of solidarity to those who were hurt or brutalized by the police. We acknowledge the pain, trauma, and injustice suffered by our brothers and sisters. We console with those who have lost their loved ones.”
The Bishops have asked the Kenya Kwanza administration to actively listen to the plight of Kenyans, provide clear and honest explanations for its unfulfilled promises and prioritize policies that will alleviate the country’s social and economic burdens.
