Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Maseno South Bishop Charles Ong’injo drew national attention on Sunday after issuing a strong rebuke to political leaders during the funeral of Dr James Nyikal’s father in Seme, Kisumu County.
In a sermon that lasted more than an hour, the bishop criticized what he termed as the growing tendency among politicians to turn public gatherings into platforms for political slogans and succession debates, instead of addressing pressing socio-economic challenges facing citizens.
He urged leaders to shift their focus from political chants such as “one-term” and “two-term” to practical solutions that address unemployment, health care challenges, and other issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“Stop nonsensical political sloganeering and address the needs of the people. People are suffering,” he said during the service, drawing mixed reactions from the audience.
The bishop also criticized the conduct of legislators, accusing them of failing in their oversight role.
He said Members of Parliament should concentrate on ensuring public funds are properly utilized after budget approval, rather than aligning themselves with political interests.
“Members of Parliament, stop being a choir and a chorus. Do your job. You are supposed to provide oversight,” he said.
Bishop Ong’injo further made remarks on corruption in public service, stating that competition among leaders had shifted from service delivery to misappropriation of public resources.
“The single most problematic issue in Kenya is that people are competing over who can steal more than the other,” he said, adding that integrity in leadership had significantly declined.
He also criticized the use of small cash handouts during political engagements, arguing that such practices undermine citizens’ dignity and reduce them to dependency.
“Stop reducing people to dogs and beggars by throwing Ksh200 from car windows,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when debates continue over the relationship between the executive and legislators, with some leaders frequently accused of aligning with the government in exchange for development projects in their constituencies.
Bishop Ong’injo, who was consecrated and enthroned as the fourth Bishop of Maseno South Diocese in 2018, has previously been known for outspoken sermons on governance and accountability.
His leadership has also overseen key church milestones, including the diocese’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2020.