The Kenya Conference Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have issued a sharp condemnation of what they termed grossly indecent conduct by political leaders, warning that growing intolerance and the use of hired groups to disrupt rallies are stripping the presidency and other offices of their dignity.
In a statement the KCCB said both government and opposition figures have resorted to insults and hate, conduct they called totally unacceptable months before the 2027 General Election.
“We are disappointed and embarrassed over the recent grossly indecent public utterances of our national leaders and those in the opposition,” the Bishops said.
The clerics singled out attacks on the office of the President, arguing that the seat represents the Republic and must be handled with the weight it carries.
“We therefore decry the shameful spectacle that we were treated to by our leaders recently,” they said, adding that respect must never be devalued to shameful show of insults.
The bishops raised alarm over physical disruption of public gatherings, including places of worship, by what they called political goons.
They accused powerful individuals of sponsoring youth into criminal groups to intimidate opponents and break up meetings.
“We have also watched with consternation as political goons disrupting meetings and desecrating places of worship, making utterances that demean the dignity of high public offices,” the statement noted.
“We cannot afford to degenerate into the primitive culture of goons, but rather must uphold righteous leadership in democracy,” they added .
The bishops further linked the trend to a wider patronage system that, in their view, does not value human life.
“The proliferation of the culture of goons, used to intimidate, bring disruptions in meetings, and even kill, can only thrive if it is sponsored and protected by powerful individuals,” they said.
Citing unresolved cases of young people lost to violence, abductions, and threats, the bishops urged security agencies to act, saying much of the chaos unfolds in the sight of those in charge of security in our country and even our law enforcers.
They closed the section by quoting Ephesians 4:29: “No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.”
The statement did not name specific politicians but called on all office holders to truly live up to the nobility of the responsibilities they bear.
It urged Kenyans to use freedom responsibly and demanded respect and protection for the lives of young people, saying the issue goes beyond compensation.
The intervention adds to mounting calls from religious and civil groups for cooler politics as the country moves toward the next election cycle.
