President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting churches despite criticism from various quarters.
Speaking at AIC Jericho on Sunday, March 23, 2024, the President made it clear that he would continue contributing to religious institutions and would not seek approval from anyone to do so.
During his address, Ruto said he had identified work that needed to be done at the church and assured the congregation that the construction would proceed.
He emphasized that neither opposition nor criticism would deter him from supporting religious causes. He expressed his determination to complete the church, stating that even if his critics, whom he referred to as “Shetani na watu wake” (Satan and his followers), were unhappy, he would proceed with the project.
“Naona kuna kazi inatakikana kufanywa apa, na siombi ruhusa ya mtu. Nitafuata taratibu ya AIC and we are going to work together to complete this church. Shetani na watu wake wanaweza kukasirika wakitaka. we are going to complete this church,” he said.
Loosely translated as;
“I see that there is work that needs to be done here, and I am not asking for anyone’s permission. I will follow the procedures of AIC, and we are going to work together to complete this church. Satan and his people can get angry if they want, but we are going to complete this church.”
The President also linked the building of churches to nation-building, stating that as the country grows, places of worship should also develop. He insisted that no one should feel uneasy about the construction of churches and quoted the Bible, specifically Daniel 11:32, to emphasize that those who serve God will be strong and accomplish great things.
“Katika harakati ya kujenga nchi, tutajenga pia makanisa na neno la mungu litasonga mbele. Naona mnapata wasi wasi tunjenge ama tusijenge. Tutamhaibisha shetani. Hawezi tuzuia kejenga nchi yetu ama makanisa yetu. Ukisoma Daniel 11:32 inasema kwamba wale ambao ni waja mungu, watakuwa jasiri and watafanya mambo makuu,” Ruto said.
Additionally, Ruto revealed that he had personally discussed the church’s construction with Sam, the construction supervisor, and had decided to join the church’s construction committee. He insisted that he did not require anyone’s permission to do so.
“I have sat down with Sam, and I understand he is the construction supervisor. So, I will be a member of your construction committee, and I am not asking for anyone’s permission,” he added.
Discreet giving
However, while making these remarks, the President did not specify how much he was contributing to the church. This comes in the wake of the recent rejection of his Ksh5.6 million donation by Catholic bishops. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, had recently advised that while church donations were welcome, they should be given discreetly rather than as publicized gestures.
Over the years, churches have become frequent venues for political discourse, with politicians using religious platforms to advance their agendas. This practice has drawn criticism, with many arguing that religious sanctuaries should remain apolitical.
In recent weeks, President William Ruto’s substantial donations to churches have ignited controversy and public fury. On March 2, 2025, during a service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, Ruto announced a personal donation of Ksh20 million towards the construction of a new church building. He further pledged to mobilize an additional Ksh100 million from his associates to support the project.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I am unapologetic about giving to God, and I do it on the firm foundation of the scriptures.”
The President’s contributions have since drawn criticism from various quarters. A group of concerned citizens questioned the source of the funds and demanded that Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry surrender the Ksh20 million donation to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). They argued that accepting such a large sum without transparency could be construed as abetting potential corruption.
Pulpit ban
Last Sunday, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) enforced a strict ban on political speeches inside its sanctuaries.
Archbishop Ole Sapit, in his announcement, made it clear that politicians would only be acknowledged by name and allowed to greet the congregation, but they would not be given a platform to make speeches.
“I want to give directions that from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church,” he stated firmly.
He further emphasized that any interactions between politicians and congregants would have to take place outside the church premises.
“We will mention their names, they will wave their hands if they so wish to speak to the congregants. It will be done outside of the sanctuary, not only today but in all our dioceses and churches,” he added.
