The Kenya Human Rights Commission has come to the defence of Catholic bishops following their statement that continues to elicit mixed reactions from Kenyans and leaders.
The clergy on Thursday criticised the government in a strongly-worded statement over what they termed as fostering a "culture of lies."
KHRC in a statement on Saturday said the concerns by the bishops reflect what majority of Kenyans feel about the current state of affairs and the government’s actions.
“The KCCB statement builds on what others have been issuing including SUPKEM and NCCK,” the rights body stated.
“The KCCB rightly condemned the reintroduction of punitive taxes through the Tax amendment Bill, 2024. The bishops’ call against over-taxation is not merely a financial critique but a plea to economic justice which KHRC advocates for.”
The rights group also called on interfaith groups, civil society groups and other Kenyans to reignite the culture of demanding for good governance as enshrined in the constitution.
President William Ruto while speaking at a church service in Embu on Saturday said the government will review the Social Health Insurance (SHIF) meant to offer Universal Health Coverage to resolve problematic issues pointed out by Kenyans, including the Catholic clerics.
While reiterating that the new health insurance is critical to providing all Kenyans with accessible healthcare, President Ruto said the government will continue improving the model.
"I want to assure Kenyans and the bishops that we will rectify the issues they have pointed out because UHC will make sure no citizen is left behind," he said.
He was speaking during the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u as the new Bishop of Embu Diocese.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday strongly criticised President Ruto’s government, accusing it of lying to Kenyans and failing to deliver on promises to the Kenyan people.
They also condemned the government for allegedly using state machinery to suppress critics, neglecting public concerns and reversing democratic gains in Kenya.
The bishops said they are appalled by the recurrent cases of abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans.
They noted that many Kenyans have lost trust in the government they elected just over two years ago.