Catholic bishops to Ruto, Raila: Open the doors for us

By Peter Ochieng

Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have expressed their willingness to help broker a deal between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Addressing the press in Nairobi on Wednesday, the bishops said the country is at crossroads, occassioned by anti government protests called by Odinga and his Azimio brigade.

The called on Odinga to air his grievances through other means that do not hold the country hostage.

The clergy, led by KCCB chairman Martin Kivuva who doubles up as Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese bishop said they have tried reaching out to the two leaders, but they have been unsuccessful.

"We have sought audience with the two but we have not succeeded. We are ready to meet them any time for dialogue," said Kivuva.

He said they understand that the two may be undergoing stress, due to pressure placed on their shoulders by their demanding supporters.

However, Kivuva said slamming the dialogue door is not by any means a solution.

"Closing the door does not help you solve the problem," he said, adding that like in a family setting, natural dialogue must prevail at this point in time.

He urged Kenyans to dedicate time for prayer, for peace to prevail in the country.

The Catholic Church, bishop Kivuva said will dedicate Sunday, 23rd July for prayer, in what he termed as prayer weekend.

On his part, Anthony Muheria, the Nyeri Catholic archbishop urged Ruto's administration to repeal the Finance Act, 2023.

Similarly, they warned against police brutality during the Azimio protests.