National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called
on the church to be objective in its engagement with political affairs.
The speaker expressed concern over
what he termed as open partiality by some religious leaders.
Wetang’ula spoke on Tuesday morning during a
farewell meeting with the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop
Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen.
He emphasised that while the church plays a critical
role as society’s moral voice, it must avoid becoming politically biased.
“Nobody will gag the church from being critical, but
you must be fair. You can comment as much on social issues as you like, but
when you start behaving like an alternative political force, you lose the moral
high ground as an impartial commentator, advisor and arbitrary counsellor,” he
said.
The speaker also questioned the double standard being applied
by the church, especially to the successive governments.
Singling out the Catholic Church, the speaker also
called out what he described as selective criticism by church leaders.
“The Catholic Church was completely silent on Uhuru
Kenyatta. President William Ruto is literally breaking his back, moving all
over the country to move it forward, but the church doesn’t see anything good
in him,” he said.
“In fact, it has exhibited open hostility. It is not
right for the Bishop to be openly known to have a position.”
Apart from the harsh criticism against Ruto’s
administration, the Catholic Church in 2024 declined Sh2.8 million from the
President.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi returned a Sh2.6
million donation made by President and a Sh200,000 contribution from Nairobi
Governor Johnson Sakaja at Soweto Catholic Church.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo also declined an additional Sh3 million pledge and a promised church bus, citing a directive from the Kenya
Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) banning political donations to maintain
the church's independence and sanctity.
He further reflected on the church's historical role
during periods of political repression, citing past church leaders known for
their strong moral authority.
“The church needs to speak on social issues, peace,
justice and accountability. I tell my bishops that you can speak on
transparency and responsibility; however, even as you criticise others, look
within yourself," he stated.
At the same time, Wetang’ula expressed concern over
what he described as the gradual erosion of the social mission of some
Catholic-run schools and health institutions, saying they were drifting away
from their sacred calling.
During the meeting, the speaker also paid tribute to
Archbishop van Megen for his seven years of service in Kenya, noting his
contribution to strengthening the church through the appointment of bishops.
“The appointment of 26 new bishops has brought fresh
energy and renewed leadership within the church,” the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio
said.
Archbishop van Megen is set to take up a new
diplomatic assignment in Germany after completing his tour of duty in Kenya.
Wetang’ula wished him well in his new role and commended him for promoting peace, reconciliation, justice and human dignity during his time in the country.
