The House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) have publicly called out president William Ruto over what they termed as cronyism, nepotism and tribalism in state appointments.
They said the recent appointments depict return of tribal appointments to public offices and also opposed high taxation proposed in the controversial Tax Bill 2023.
Following a two-day consultative meeting held on Tuesday and yesterday, the bishops made the scathing attack against the government reminiscent of the place of the church as government watchdog during the reign of the retired president, the late Daniel Arap Moi.
“There is glaring tribalism and cronyism, particularly with regard to public appointments. There is apparent lack of accountability and transparency in our institutions. This is not acceptable. Let all institutions and government agencies be impartial and efficient, and not simply beholden to political influence, but serve all Kenyans with impartiality. To our dismay, impunity in the management of public resources and public affairs is becoming the order of the day.” The bishops said in a joint statement read by Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
While addressing the media yesterday in Nairobi, the bishops said such appointments show a lack of accountability and that government should serve all Kenyans equally.
“Political tensions feed off poor governance, and no number of talks will create harmony if the government fails the accountability test. We see that the government is walking the slippery path by slackening in fight against corruption. To our dismay, impunity in the management of public resources and public affairs is becoming the order of the day.” Sapit added.
In the past few weeks, president Ruto has made key appointments that have been questioned by leaders across the political divide as well as a section of Kenyans.
In March, the president was blocked by the High Court from appointing 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries – many of them his political backers who lost in last year’s elections.
In February, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told the country that the government is a company and some Kenyans are majority shareholders while some have no shares.
“This government is a company that has shares. There are owners who have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government and you must reap. You sowed, tilled, put manure and irrigated and now it is time to reap,” Gachagua said.
He also said those who are shareholders will be the first to be rewarded with state jobs unlike their detractors in the opposition.
“Elections have significance. You cannot make noise talking ill of Ruto and after he wins you get in line to get benefits before those who were with him. That is my work at State House; controlling that queue and deciding who is ahead of whom,” he said.
