Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chairperson Archbishop Martin Kivuva said they are willing to engage the two leaders for an amicable solution that will bring to an end the protests.

By Kamadi Amata

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has attempted to engage President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga in talks to address the ongoing anti-government demonstrations. Archbishop Martin Kivuva, the KCCB chairperson, expressed their willingness to find a peaceful resolution to end the protests. However, due to busy schedules, they haven’t been able to meet face-to-face yet.

The protests, initiated by Odinga’s faction, are in response to the high cost of living and increased taxation imposed by Ruto’s administration. The demonstrations have entered their third round, with plans to continue three days a week. The opposition and government previously engaged in talks but failed to reach an agreement, leading to renewed protests.

The Catholic Bishops called for the resumption of talks involving religious leaders to find a non-violent solution for addressing the needs of the citizens. They emphasized that dialogue is essential for the well-being of the country and urged both leaders to be open to listening to each other.

The Bishops’ stance is for President Ruto to repeal the Finance Act, which has drawn criticism from Kenyans due to the added levies it imposes. The Act has put an excessive burden on already struggling citizens, especially those in the low-income category. The Bishops urged the President to replace it with a process that considers the current economic situation.