Gladys Boss Sholei Slams Catholic Bishops for Criticizing Ruto Government
Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Sholei has launched a scathing attack on Catholic bishops following their recent public condemnation of President William Ruto’s government. In a statement delivered on Sunday, Sholei expressed her deep disappointment in the bishops for stepping into the political arena, accusing them of using their religious platform to unfairly criticize the government.
Sholei, a staunch supporter of President Ruto, questioned the role of the bishops in the country’s governance, arguing that their primary responsibility is spiritual guidance, not political commentary.
“I was deeply disappointed when I listened to the Catholic bishops speak. Their job is spiritual, and they should leave the task of leading the country to those who were elected by the people,” Sholei said. “For them to come out and make such accusations against the government is, as a Christian, my lowest moment.”
The remarks by Sholei come in the wake of a pastoral letter issued by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in which they criticized the government for failing to address issues such as corruption, economic hardship, and insecurity. The bishops also expressed concerns about the increasing cost of living, poor governance, and the slow pace of reforms.
However, Sholei was particularly critical of what she termed the bishops’ failure to provide concrete details or evidence to back their claims, especially regarding corruption. She demanded that the bishops name specific individuals involved in corruption, urging them to be transparent and accountable in their accusations.
“If you say there is rampant corruption, name the people involved. Why point fingers at us and not provide any real details? If you are going to accuse, name the names and provide the identity cards of those who were killed,” Sholei added. “Bishops should be focusing on leading us in prayer, not engaging in cheap publicity like the politicians they are accusing.”
Sholei, who is also a member of President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition, questioned the credibility of the bishops, suggesting that they, too, may be guilty of corruption. She further criticized their decision to speak out against the government while also having access to private meetings with the president.
“Bishops have an audience with the president in State House, yet they don’t come out publicly to counsel him or offer solutions. Why meet him privately but not publicly speak about what is wrong?” she asked. “This shows bad faith on their part, as they can talk to the president privately but choose to make public attacks instead. What they’re looking for is cheap publicity.”
In her strongly worded comments, Sholei accused the bishops of undermining their moral authority by engaging in political attacks, and she expressed frustration with what she perceived as their lack of constructive input in addressing national challenges. “The Catholic bishops have sunk the lowest they can,” she concluded.
The Catholic bishops’ criticism of the government has sparked a heated debate in Kenya, with some supporting the church’s right to speak out on issues of governance, while others, like Sholei, believe religious leaders should avoid becoming entangled in politics.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the bishops will respond to Sholei’s comments or if the tensions between religious and political leadership will escalate further.
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