Catholic bishops address the media/HANDOUT
Catholic Bishops have expressed concern over the rising incidents of careless and painful loss of lives across the country,
The clerics in a statement on Tuesday highlighted demonstrations, abductions and traffic accidents as the most common avenues through which loss of lives continues to be witnessed in the country.
The clerics under the umbrella of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) further raised concerns over rising school unrest, political violence, and plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Laikipia.
They were speaking after a meeting at Donum Dei, Roussel House in Karen.
The statement signed by KCCB Chairman Most Rev Maurice Muhatia said the church was alarmed by what it described as a growing disregard for human dignity and the sanctity of life.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ came so that ‘they may have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10). This promise of abundant life is at the heart of the Gospel and the foundation of our concern for the people of Kenya,” the bishops said.
“We continue to feel the anguish of grieving families and the increasing frustration of those who feel that their legitimate grievances are too often met with indifference rather than sincere dialogue,” the statement noted.
The Church also mourned students who perished in the recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Academy, describing the tragedy as a reflection of deeper challenges facing the country's education system.
“Education is not only about academic achievement but also about the formation of conscience, character, responsibility, and respect for the dignity of others,” the bishops said, calling for stronger parental involvement, enhanced counselling services, and mentorship programmes in schools.
On governance and security, the bishops condemned the disruption of a recent meeting at All Saints Cathedral by suspected goons, warning that political violence is increasingly threatening democratic freedoms and even sacred spaces.
“We demand that the Inspector General of Police conduct a swift, transparent investigation to unmask, arrest, and prosecute the individuals who execute these attacks and their sponsors,” they said.
The bishops also questioned plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, arguing that the public had not been adequately consulted.
“We demand transparency in government deals that affect our country,” the bishops stated, urging authorities to engage citizens, religious leaders, healthcare workers and civil society in meaningful consultations.
Despite their concerns, the bishops expressed hope for the country's future, urging leaders and citizens to embrace justice, accountability, dialogue, and respect for life.
“Kenya possesses the spiritual resources, the moral wisdom, and the collective will to build a nation where every person is valued, where grievances are addressed with respect, and where economic systems serve the common good,” the statement concluded.
