Religious leaders in Machakos County, speaking under the United Clergy Alliance. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
Religious leaders in Machakos County, speaking under the United Clergy Alliance, have strongly condemned the use of abusive and demeaning language against women leaders in recent political engagements, warning that such conduct is eroding respect, unity, and dignity in public service.
Speaking during a press briefing, Bishop Charles Kababu, representing church leaders in the county, expressed concern over what they described as the growing trend of personal attacks among political leaders, particularly during a political rally held in Machakos Town on May 31, 2026.
The clergy specifically cited remarks allegedly directed at Governor Wavinya Ndeti during the rally, terming them disrespectful and unbecoming of public leadership. They warned that such language undermines women leaders who, according to them, have played a significant role in delivering development across the county.
“It is shameful to hear a leader using words that demean women leaders who have contributed meaningfully to the development of our county,” Bishop Kababu said, noting that politics must remain issue-based and anchored on respect.
Pastor Rose Kitavi also weighed in, stating that the use of vulgar and derogatory language paints a negative image of leadership in the region and indirectly insults all women in society. She called for an immediate public apology and withdrawal of the offensive remarks, urging leaders to refrain from hate speech, character defamation, and personal attacks.
“We strongly condemn, in no uncertain terms, political leaders who are using such language. We demand an apology and a withdrawal of the same,” she said, adding that leaders must prioritize peace, unity, and dignity in their communication.
Bishop Emeritus Kioko Mutungi criticized what he termed a worrying shift away from development-focused politics to personal vendettas. He emphasized that political leaders should allow citizens to judge their performance rather than self-praise, urging adherence to issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The people are the ones who will decide. Leaders must stop turning political discourse into exchanges of insults and instead focus on development agendas,” he said.
The clergy also urged security agencies to enforce the law against hate speech and abusive language, warning that failure to act could normalize political intolerance and verbal violence.
They further called on leaders to exercise restraint and restore dignity in political discourse, saying respectful engagement remains key to sustaining peace and cohesion in the county.
Meanwhile, attention has also been drawn to Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, whose remarks during the same rally were singled out by the clergy as inappropriate and offensive, prompting renewed calls for responsible leadership and political accountability.
