Catholic Bishops Blasts Politicians Over Disguised Development Tours
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has expressed concern over what they see as some politicians and religious leaders’ hasty entry into partisan politics.
The bishops criticized the ethnic politics that have taken over the early campaigns in a strong-worded statement, claiming that they are creating severe splits.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba stated, “The early start of political campaigns diverts critical attention from national development, shifting focus to the spectacle of election campaigns.”
“The exploitation of ethnic identities for deep societal fractures and political violence,” the statement continues.
Following excursions by the government and opposition to different regions of the nation under the pretense of development and consultative tours, respectively, the church has expressed concerns.
President William Ruto is anticipated to come to Nyanza next week after already visiting the country’s western, northeastern, and coastal regions on development tours this year.
However, the opposition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, has been attending events and giving speeches criticizing the government and outlining plans for the next election, which is more than two years away.
While preparing for the 2027 elections, others, like as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have begun what he has called consultative sessions at his Wamunyoror home.
In anticipation of the elections, Martha Karua, the previous running mate of Raila Ondiga, changed the name of her NARC-Kenya party to the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) this week.
In order to allow by-elections in constituencies that now lack leaders, the bishops have referred to this as early politiking and called for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be established as soon as possible.
The IEBC has already stated that the next general elections will cost more than Ksh60 billion, a sum that has drawn criticism.
