The Chairperson of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba Speaking during the reception and installation of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos at Kenyatta Stadium on March 19, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Stanley Mumo
The Chairperson of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, has issued a strong appeal to political leaders to exercise restraint and restore dignity in public discourse, warning that rising verbal attacks risk eroding national unity and public confidence in leadership.
Speaking during the reception and installation of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos at Kenyatta Stadium, Archbishop Muhatia expressed concern over what he described as a troubling trend of public insults among leaders.
He cautioned that such conduct is having a damaging effect across generations, particularly among young people. “The children listening to you are shocked. The young people are traumatized because in you is represented the collapse of their aspiration for leadership,” he said.
The Archbishop further noted that adults are equally disillusioned, terming the behavior a poor reflection of the current generation of leaders. He warned that continued public exchanges marked by insults not only diminish the dignity of leadership but also pose a threat to national cohesion.
“This country belongs to more than 50 million Kenyans, not a few individuals. When leaders publicly insult each other, it becomes a threat to the country,” he stated.
His remarks come against the backdrop of escalating verbal exchanges among top figures, notably between President William Ruto and his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Archbishop Muhatia emphasized that disagreement in leadership is natural and acceptable, but must be expressed respectfully. “You can disagree without insulting each other. Disagreement is okay, but public insults are a disgrace,” he said.
In a pointed appeal, he urged leaders to keep personal disputes away from the public domain, using a metaphor to underscore his message. “If you want to insult each other, look for a bunker underground. Go there, insult each other, and when you are done, come back and join us in nation-building,” he remarked.
The KCCB chair reiterated the Church’s expectation that leaders should embody integrity, unity, and moral responsibility, noting that Kenya is a nation deserving of respectful and visionary leadership.
“We love our country and our leaders, but not when they engage in such conduct. You are embarrassing this great nation,” he said, adding that leaders must rise to the responsibility of guiding citizens toward shared progress.
He concluded with a call for reflection and transformation in leadership, urging those in positions of power to align their conduct with the expectations of the people and the moral values that underpin the nation.
