Church leaders blast independent offices for providing weak oversight to govt
By Elijah Cherutich, November 14, 2025The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) South Rift Region has blasted commissions and independent offices for failure to provide meaningful checks and balances on governance in the country.
Speaking on Friday, November 14, 2025, after the conclusion of a two-day consultative forum in Nakuru, NCCK South Rift region chairman Bishop Peter Muiruri said that Kenyans have continued to suffer because of the inefficiencies in the offices that were designed to shield them from the excesses of the state.
“It is a national heartbreak that all these offices and commissions have abdicated their mandate and largely allowed themselves to be used by the state to oppress and suppress the people of Kenya,” he said.
Bishop Muiruri said that the national values and principles of good governance have been heavily eroded and watered down by the actions and inactions of people given power to govern.
They called on the people of Kenya to remain vigilant and push back against any attempt to take the country down the drain by the leaders.
The clergy further expressed concern over the early political campaigns that have been gaining momentum in the country as both the government and opposition leaders step up their game.
Call for accountability
They said that the move is creating an environment of divisive campaigns that is likely to create anxiety and panic among the people.
“A lingering injustice in our nation is the trend by politicians to embark on campaigns the day after elections, behaving as if their only duty is winning the next election. We call on the independent and boundaries commission to enforce discipline by firmly and visibly punishing political parties whose candidates and supporters are breaking the law by engaging in early campaigns”, he added.
Meanwhile, while addressing the press on Thursday, November 14, 2024, KCCB reprimanded the Kenya Kwanza administration over what they claimed was perpetuating the culture of lies and failing to address the issue of abductions.
The Catholic bishops went all out to castigate the current regime, claiming that they have failed to uphold integrity and have resolved to spew lies on major issues affecting the nation.
“The culture of lies is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve. Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the government says. Unfortunately, it seems that the Kenyans have helplessly tolerated the lies told to them constantly by the politicians. Kenyans must learn not to applaud or validate the lies that the politicians tell them, but rather must resolve to seek and be led by the truth.
“This culture of lies, unkept promises, and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” the bishops stated.
The bishops further lamented over the deterioration of security in the country, which had led to the rise of abductions and femicide, and challenged the relevant authorities to swing into action and restore order in the country.
“We are appalled by the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings of Kenyans. We also decry the increasing murder of women,” the bishops demanded.
“The government must protect the life of every human person in Kenya. It must take the lead in following the law, which the leadership took an oath to uphold and defend at all times.”