Stop early campaigns, Murang'a Anglican Bishop asks politicians

Bishop Gichere says early campaigns can devastate the already struggling economy

by ALICE WAITHERA

Realtime28 February 2025 - 18:39

In Summary

The Bishop said the political bickering that has become rampant adversely affects the economy as it dampens investments.
Gichere further challenged the government to streamline issues that have been plaguing Kenyans in order to strengthen their trust in government agencies.

The Anglican Church has asked political leaders to stop engaging in premature campaigns that can devastate the already struggling economy.

Timothy Gichere, the Bishop in charge of Mt. Kenya Central Diocese, has said the political bickering that has become rampant adversely affects the economy as it dampens investments.

“Early campaigns give propaganda the chance to fester which destroys the society,” the Bishop who was leading a diocesan synod at St James Cathedral in Murang’a town said.

The synod, a church organ comprising of top leaders from the parishes, meets once every two years to make resolutions that govern the diocese and discuss issues affecting the nation.

The Bishop also challenged political leaders to town down politics that may divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.

He urged President William Ruto to unite the country by ensuring all areas are uniformly developed.

“Even when other leaders engage in tribal issues, it’s paramount for the President to stand firm and unite the country and ensure he serves all Kenyans regardless of whether they voted for him,” he added.

Gichere further challenged the government to streamline issues that have been plaguing Kenyans in order to strengthen their trust in government agencies.

He cited enforced disappearances and abductions of youths that he said were against human rights and spreading fear.

He said the church is unhappy with the abductions that leave some dead while others are left nursing physical and psychological wounds.

“The government seems too relaxed on abductions and no one has been arrested over it yet they have been a source of worry for many. I implore the government to do everything possible to bring the abductors to book,” the Bishop said.

He also cited the challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA) and which have seen many Kenyans struggle to access health services.

The new health system, the Bishop said, was well intentioned but has not been functioning efficiently, causing agony to Kenyans.

“If people contribute to SHA but are unable to access treatment, it can break their hearts. The government should streamline parts of it that are not working well.”

He also underscored the need for the government to put Kenyans at the centre of all its programmes and focus on empowering them and stabilizing the economy.

The church, the Bishop said, has been doing its part by supporting the less advantaged in the society and even organizing youth empowerment forums.

Just last week, Murang’a Catholic Bishop James Wainaina admonished the government to address the many issues facing Kenyans while healing divisions and fighting graft.

Bishop Wainaina also condemned abductions, enforced disappearances, and rising cases of femicide, calling on the government to ensure victims get justice.