Enough Is Enough: Call for Truth, Justice and Accountability

The recent statement by the Catholic bishops of Kenya, delivered through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), could not have come at a more critical time. It is a message that resonates with many of us who have grown weary of the political dishonesty, rampant corruption, and rising violence that have become all too familiar under the current administration. Simply put, enough is enough.

Lies have become a tool of trade and part of the entire political game; the bishops’ words reflect what many Kenyans have been feeling for some time now. The political landscape has become one where lies are not only tolerated but accepted as part of the game. Politicians routinely spin false narratives, and it seems as though the public is expected to simply turn a blind eye and move on.

But the bishops are right: we cannot, and should not, condone such behavior. If the foundation of any society is built on truth, we are heading in the wrong direction. The time has come for us as a people to demand honesty, transparency, and accountability from our leaders, no matter their political affiliation.

Corruption is another issue that has reached alarming levels in Kenya, and the bishops hit the nail on the head when they pointed out that the political elite, many of whom are among the highest-paid legislators in the world, continue to live in luxury while the rest of the population struggles to survive. The disparity between the rich and the poor in Kenya has grown wider, and it is increasingly difficult to ignore the fact that many in positions of power are more interested in self-enrichment than in serving the public good.

The government has made corruption a norm, as massive stealing of public resources has been witnessed with no actions being taken. It is no surprise that the bishops called out these leaders for their greed and lack of accountability.

Equally troubling are the growing incidences of violence, abductions, and disappearances that have plagued our country, particularly the rising number of brutal killings of women. The bishops rightly asked: where is the government in all of this? Where is the leadership that is supposed to protect the lives of its citizens?.

The government has denied many Kenyans their fundamental right to life as abductions and killings have been happening each and every day without enhanced investigation of what is going wrong. It is the government’s duty to ensure the safety of its people, and when it fails to do so, the consequences are not just physical but deeply moral.

Additionally, the bishops raised concerns about the recent government actions on increasing taxes, in which they also as reintroduction of the Finance Bill 2024, which many see as another way to impose a heavier financial burden on ordinary Kenyans. The country is already grappling with an economic crisis, and the constant imposition of new taxes only deepens the suffering of the middle and lower classes.

It is hard to understand how the government can continue to ignore the struggles of its citizens while at the same time increasing their financial burdens. It’s an approach that does not take into account the real-world consequences on families already living paycheck to paycheck.

Additionally, the recent political unfolding has painted a picture of how politicians care about themselves, leaving the electorates in anguish. The internal political infighting within the government, which has only added to the instability.

This has created an environment of distrust, not only between the government and the people but also among the political class itself. It is deeply concerning that the leaders who are supposed to unite us seem instead to be sowing division. It’s no surprise, then, that so many people feel disconnected from the institutions that are supposed to serve them.

Furthermore, the bishops did not shy away from addressing controversial issue about term limit and this was they termed as undermining the democracy where the intrest of the minorities are put infront of those of the entire nation.

In conclusion, Leaders should serve with humility and respect for the democratic process, not seek to cling to power indefinitely. The attempt to extend term limits is a dangerous precedent that, if allowed to pass, could have long-term consequences for Kenya’s political stability and democratic health.

It’s clear that the bishops are not just speaking for themselves—they are echoing the frustrations and hopes of ordinary Kenyans who are tired of the status quo. Enough is enough. The time for change is now. We cannot continue to accept the corruption, violence, and dishonesty that have come to define much of our political system. It is time for leaders who are committed to the truth, to justice, and to the well-being of all Kenyans, not just the powerful few.

This is not just the church’s call. It's the call of every Kenyan who dreams of a better, fairer, and more prosperous future. It is a call to return to the values that should guide us as a nation—truth, justice, and respect for human dignity. Only when we demand these things will we begin to see real change. Until then, the bishops are right to say: enough is enough.