A recent church service in Embu County has drawn wide public attention after a Catholic priest used his sermon to question how a government program is being presented to citizens.
During a Sunday gathering at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Fr. Joseph spoke openly to worshippers about the Nyota Fund and encouraged them to think carefully about the information they receive from political leaders.
As the congregation listened, the priest explained that many people might misunderstand the nature of the program. He said that although some leaders have described the Nyota Fund as free support meant to help communities, it is actually money that comes from a loan.
According to him, the funds are borrowed from the World Bank and will eventually have to be repaid by Kenyans through taxes and other government income.
Fr. Joseph addressed the matter in Kiswahili to make sure everyone clearly understood his message. He told the church members that the money being distributed is not a donation but a debt that the country must settle in the future.
His statement quickly sparked discussion among worshippers and later spread online, where many Kenyans began debating the issue.
The priest expressed concern that some politicians might be giving the public the wrong impression about the program.
He said that certain messages could make people believe the funds are gifts from the government, especially targeting young people and vulnerable groups who may be eager for financial support.
In his view, this could lead citizens to support programs without fully understanding their long term impact on the country’s finances.
Fr. Joseph encouraged people to ask questions whenever new government initiatives are introduced. He told worshippers that it is important for citizens to know where public money comes from and what conditions are attached to it.
He warned that borrowing without clear explanation and public awareness could increase national debt and put pressure on important services in the future. He mentioned areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which might suffer if the country struggles to repay loans.
During his sermon, the priest also spoke about the role of religious leaders in society. He said churches have a responsibility to guide communities not only spiritually but also socially.
According to him, faith leaders should speak honestly when they feel citizens are not being given full information about matters that affect their daily lives.
He stressed that remaining silent when people are confused or misled would be a failure of moral duty.
Following the service, reactions from the public have been mixed. Some people praised the priest for encouraging open discussion and civic awareness, while others felt that religious spaces should avoid political debate.
Despite the differing views, the sermon has started an important conversation about transparency, public borrowing, and how government programs are communicated to citizens.
