Catholic Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa has urged Kenyan leaders to stop criticizing President William Ruto, especially when speaking abroad. He made the remarks during his 70th birthday celebration held on July 22, 2025, at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School in Kisii.
Bishop Okemwa emphasized that President Ruto was lawfully elected by the people in 2022 and should be given the opportunity to lead the country peacefully. He called on leaders to avoid spreading tribal divisions, saying such behavior is un-African and harmful to national unity.
He directly addressed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, cautioning them against using international platforms—such as those in the United States—to criticize Kenya. He said national issues should be addressed locally through dialogue rather than foreign media.
Having served the Kisii Diocese for 30 years, Bishop Okemwa also shared a personal reflection from 2006, when he was building a church in Etago, one of the most impoverished areas. At the time, the church lacked basic furniture, until the late President Mwai Kibaki donated KSh100,000 to help purchase benches. He used the story to illustrate the importance of unity and collaboration in leadership.
On the contentious issue of extrajudicial killings during the 2024 anti-tax protests, the bishop came to Ruto’s defense, asserting that the president was not responsible for the deaths. He described the accusations as politically motivated and baseless, claiming that some opposition figures refuse to accept Ruto’s presidency.
He compared Ruto to the late Simeon Nyachae, a former powerful leader who once carried a gun but later chose peaceful leadership. The bishop said Ruto also desires to lead through peace and not violence.
While acknowledging that some church leaders have criticized the current administration for corruption and poor governance, Bishop Okemwa took a conciliatory tone. He said Kenya needs to focus on healing and moving forward.
He urged politicians to stop reopening old wounds, such as the impeachment of Gachagua and the issue of unpaid debts to church-run hospitals. Instead, he encouraged forgiveness, national dialogue, and progress.
Bishop Okemwa’s message comes at a time of intense political tension in Kenya, and he offered a powerful reminder that peace and unity are essential for the country’s future.
By Kenyans