Internally Displaced Persons have told off the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) over recent statement where they called out President William Ruto’s administration for what they termed a deeply entrenched culture of lies, corruption, unfulfilled promises, and misplaced priorities.
The IDPs under their umbrella network faulted the clergy for condemning the government rather than giving alternative solutions.
Addressing journalists in Nakuru on Saturday November 16, 2024, the IDPs led by Peter Tena called on the Church to ensure government programs succeed.
“The Church should give alternative solutions to problems facing Kenyans rather than just criticizing. Let them support the programs but also help address the challenges,” he stated.
On the transition from NHIF to SHA, the IDPs expressed their satisfaction adding that it will go along way in ensuring that all Kenyans have a health cover through the universal health coverage.
Mr. Tena called on the Church to continue praying and helping address the challenges that face the new scheme.
According to him, it is normal for any new programs transitioning to encounter challenges.
“SHA is a good scheme that will ensure all Kenyans are covered. We are transitioning and therefore we should expect the program to face some challenges. But let us give government some time to address the same,” he stated.
While noting the ongoing political intolerance in the country, the IDPs called on the political class to torn down on their political utterances that might divide the country.
They noted that such utterances might plunge the country into what was witnessed in 2007 where the country went into skirmishes.
Tena also called on the Church to play their role in praying for unity of the country.
“We need to work in ensuring unity. As IDPs we know what we went through during the 2008 post election violence and we wouldn’t want to go that way. Let the political class torn down on their utterances,” stated Peter Tena.
They reiterated that they are optimistic that President William Ruto will ensure all IDPs are resettled.
It should be noted that on Thursday, Catholic Bishops Led by their chair, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, accused the political class of turning a deaf ear to key concerns raised by Kenyans, including over taxation, unemployment, disturbing gaps in the implementation of the CBC education system, and the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We have made clear statements many times in the recent past, with very little response from the government. Despite the calmness we are experiencing, there is a lot of anxiety and most people are losing trust in the government,” said Muhatia.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.