Archbishop Martin Kivuva Issues Debt Warning to President Ruto Over China Visit
As President William Ruto prepares for an official working visit to the People’s Republic of China, a timely caution has been issued by Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva of the Mombasa Holy Ghost Cathedral.
The senior cleric has appealed to the government to exercise restraint and responsibility in acquiring additional external debt, urging national leaders to remain mindful of the long-term economic consequences such obligations pose.
Delivering his Easter message to the faithful and the nation, Archbishop Kivuva expressed concern over Kenya’s rising debt levels and their impact on current and future generations.
He emphasized that while borrowing may at times be necessary for development, it must be undertaken judiciously, transparently, and within the bounds of fiscal sustainability.
“The challenge lies not only in acquiring loans but in ensuring that the nation is not left with unsustainable financial burdens. We must ask: who will ultimately bear the weight of this debt? It is the ordinary Kenyan, and eventually, the leader who assumes office after President Ruto,” Archbishop Kivuva remarked.
He urged the government to uphold the national debt ceiling and to prioritize investments that offer tangible benefits to the public. The Archbishop cautioned that irresponsible borrowing could deepen economic distress, particularly for vulnerable populations already grappling with high taxation and rising living costs.
Beyond fiscal matters, Archbishop Kivuva used the occasion to address the broader state of the nation. He expressed concern over the resurgence of political intolerance and violence, warning that such trends threaten national unity, stability, and democratic progress.
“This is not the path through which a nation attains peace, justice, or sustainable development. We cannot expect prosperity in an environment plagued by political animosity and unrest,” he said. He urged political leaders and their supporters to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, even in moments of disagreement.
On the issue of governance, Archbishop Kivuva did not shy away from confronting corruption, describing it as a moral crisis rooted in self-interest and the abuse of public trust. He reiterated the Church’s position that public service should be grounded in sacrifice and the common good, not personal gain.
“If you are entrusted with leadership, your first duty is to serve all people under your care. Leadership is not an opportunity for personal enrichment, nor should it be limited to benefiting one’s family or political base.It is a sacred responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens, regardless of background or affiliation,” he affirmed.
The Archbishop also emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and social responsibility. He called on citizens to play a more active role in protecting natural resources and extending support to the less fortunate in society. These, he said, are not optional virtues, but foundational duties in building a just and humane society.
Speaking directly to the youth, Archbishop Kivuva issued a heartfelt appeal to reject manipulation by political actors seeking to use them as instruments of chaos and violence. He urged young people to become ambassadors of peace, truth, and national unity.
In addition, the Archbishop took the opportunity to condemn the growing concern of human organ trafficking in the country. While he acknowledged the noble intent behind voluntary organ donation, he strongly opposed any exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the guise of medical need.
“Organ donation, when done ethically—such as through a written will after one’s death—is a life-giving act and should be encouraged. However, deceiving or coercing young people into such practices is inhumane and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he declared.
As President Ruto’s visit to China approaches, the Archbishop’s message serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of leadership and the need for discernment in decisions that carry long-term implications for the nation. His call for responsible borrowing, ethical governance, and social compassion reflects the voice of moral authority urging the country to tread carefully in pursuit of progress.
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Archbishop Martin Kivuva Issues Debt Warning to President Ruto Over China Visit
