Ruto meets Catholic Bishops, affirms commitment to dialogue over pertinent issues

President William Ruto on Friday hosted Catholic Bishops at Statehouse, Nairobi, even as he expressed his commitment to a national conversation to address issues deemed pertinent for the well-being of Kenya and all citizens.

During the meeting with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops led by Chairperson Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, the head of state said he welcomes the dedication by the Catholic Church “to participate in a multi-sectoral engagement that seeks solutions to the issues facing the country,”

The meeting with Catholic Bishops comes two days after President Ruto announced the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 that had triggered violent protests across the country.

Futher to his withdrawal of the bill, he said he was ready to engage Kenyans on how well the affairs of the country can be managed.

“I run a government, but I also lead people and the people have spoken,” the President said in his address to the nation

“I propose an engagement with young people of our nation to listen to their issues and agree with them on their priority areas of concern,” added the head of state

at the height of Tuesday’s protests that saw protesters storm Parliament, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops held a press conference and pleaded for a meaningful engagement between the leaders and the citizenry.

“The current situation we are witnessing calls us to address the nation and especially our dear young people and speak to our leadership,” the Bishops said

According to the Bishops, events that characterized Tuesday’s countrywide protests show that Kenyans needed a moment of reflection and listening. They warned that the situation might spiral out of hand if Kenyans fail to engage each other.

“We are saddened that what started as lawful protests has degenerated into violent conflicts. This was not the initial aim of the Gen Z protests. We honestly appeal not to shoot the protesters, and we also appeal to the young people to remain peaceful,” they said

“We plead with the president that he listen to the voices of so many and respond concretely with the current situation triggered by the Finance Bill,” added the Bishops