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Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah has asked President William Ruto to reward pastors with jobs for their support during his journey to the top seat.

Speaking during a church service at Kabarnet ASK Showground in Baringo on Sunday, November 13, the lawmaker argued that the church played a key role in granting Ruto success during the August 9 election.

“President Ruto, when Bishop Kotut was preaching. I heard him ask for a job. I am requesting that you find work for the Bishop and other pastors as well. Because they also protected us with their prayers,” he stated.

“You have confessed before that you would not have been president if not for prayers, and it is true. Their prayers made you president,” he added.

His sentiments were in response to Bishop William Kotut of the Africa Inland Church calling on Ruto to consider the welfare of pastors and preachers.

At the same time, the leader of the majority in the National Assembly also stated that Ruto’s August 9 victory was a special gift from God.

He claimed that his win was meant to save Kenyans from the challenges they were facing. While engaging in political theatrics, the legislator also urged the head of state to create job opportunities for the youth.

“Mr President, save these people’s lives by restoring the dignity of our economy to one that works and creates job opportunities for our youth so that we can stop losing them to alcohol,” he added.

The MP further claimed that Ruto won the election despite being betrayed by an unnamed brother.

“The bishop’s teachings reminded me of Genesis 50, when Joseph’s brothers, who had betrayed him, went back to ask him for forgiveness. It is similar to how you were betrayed by your brother whom you campaigned for. Joseph told them ‘You intended harm on me but God intended good to accomplish what is being accomplished now to save many lives,” the MP added.

Sunday’s interdenominational church service was attended by President Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Roads Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, his Cooperatives counterpart Simon Chelugui, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and other leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Gachagua’s sentiments

At the same time, Gachagua who spoke at the event asked the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to withdraw all wrongly instituted cases days after his Ksh7.3 billion graft case was dropped.

Gachagua claimed that most of the cases against allies of Ruto were politically instigated and should be withdrawn.

While lauding the DPP’s move to drop graft charges against him, the country’s second in command said some of the police officers who investigated the cases had admitted to having been coerced to recommend charges against the accused persons.

Gachagua alleged that some politicians in Kenya Kwanza Alliance were targeted for supporting Ruto’s State House bid in the period leading up to the August 9 general election, following his fallout with then President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“You have seen police officers swearing affidavits saying they were directed by the DCI to frame us. Didn’t you hear? He told the court that he was under instructions from then DCI boss George Kinoti to arrest and charge me until I withdraw my support for Ruto’s bid for the presidency,” Gachagua told the congregation amid chuckles.”

He, however, indicated that withdrawing his case was not enough, urging more instigators to come forward and clear other members of the public including politicians “facing false charges”.

“Withdrawing Gachagua’s case is not enough. Please come forward and clear all those you framed,” he added.

Gachagua, in an indirect jab at the administration of Uhuru, said the Kenya Kwanza government won’t influence the work of the police.

“We won’t call you (police) to direct you on how to do your work,” he added.