Church fights for justice and truth as State shies away from criticism

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Maurice Muhatia (seated centre), Bishop Alfred Rotich (left) and Bishop Dominic Kimengich (right) and other bishops during a media briefing in Nairobi, on November 14, 2024. [File, Standard]

The Catholic Church sometimes manifests the Mother Church effect. You do not need to be a Catholic to appreciate its inspired voice. Leaders of other denominations may as well have stood together with the bishops as they read the State of the Nation statement. Its acute content and tone tell of a church that has changed gears and stepped on the accelerator of a bulldozer. The "sleeping lion" has arisen with a roar.

The quick and sharp responses coming from leaders in government make it clear that the State is rattled by the roaring version of the church. The content and tone of government voices that spoke in response showed lack of capacity to respond to an assertive church. The tongue-lashing from the public against the government's dismissive response to the bishops tells of a government that is struggling with its communication strategy. The 'sun-roof' response the government is used to fell flat in this case-it was as if the government was speaking to itself. The people are with the bishops.