Archbishop Maurice Muhatia urges top leaders to stop ugly exchanges

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Archbishop Maurice Muhatia has condemned recent utterances between top leaders insulting each other saying it was disrespectful to the citizens.

In a strongly worded speech Archbishop Muhatia said the public was shocked by the utterances (emanating from the President and some opposition leaders) which typified a poor representation of the public.

Archbishop Muhatia who spoke at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, yesterday during the reception of Rt. Rev Joseph Mwongela as Coajudtor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos called for restraint among leaders whom he said must not insult each other before the public.

"The young people listening to you are traumatized because in you is represented the collapse of their aspirations for leadership. The adults listening to you are embarrassed. You are a poor representation of our generation and we are struggling to identify with you," Muhatia said.

He said leaders should be measured in their utterances adding that not everything that crosses their minds must be said.

"When you publicly insult each other you don't just disrespect each other you disrespect the Citizens as well,"said the Archbishop.

He added that the verbal indiscipline which the people were experiencing from their leaders was indicative of 'something else'.

He caused laughter when he advised leaders to retreat to a 'bunker' and insult each other if they felt like and rejoin the rest of the citizens in building the nation when they were done with insults.

The Archbishop said it was okay to disagree without insulting each other.

He said Kenyans expected only the best from their elected leaders.

‎On her part, Governor Wavinya Ndeti pledged to work with the church to better the lives of the people especially the vulnerable and less privileged in society.

“It is God's will for you to serve as Bishop here, and as a government, we will stand with you as you do the Lord’s work. Tuombee kanisa liendelee kusimama,” she said.

‎Governor Ndeti called for continued collaboration between the Church and government in promoting integrity, unity, and moral values in society.

At the same time, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi echoed the Archbishop's words saying the public spat between leaders was a bad example to young people looking up to them for direction.

He said such utterances were indicative of a President who had panicked after realizing he had lost favour with the people and may not be reelected.

Mr Mwangangi urged the churches to pray for the President to tone down his vitriol as it could lead to conflict in the country.