Kigame warns clergy against inviting politicians into pulpits without a faith agenda
By Cynthia Lodite, February 23, 2026Reuben Kigame has criticised members of the clergy for allowing politicians to take over church pulpits to chant their slogans and flash bundles of money, describing it as a disgusting sight.
In a post on his official X account on Monday, February 23, 2026, Kigame blamed the church leaders, explaining the disappointment of making his way to a service expecting spiritual nourishment and edification, only to be greeted by politicians in their costumes.
“Church leaders in Kenya must quickly count the cost of allowing politicians without a faith agenda onto the pulpit. It is disgusting to make your way to a service expecting spiritual nourishment and edification, only to be greeted by politicians in their costumes, chanting their slogans or flashing huge bundles of money,” Kigame said.
On his part, Kigame accused select members of the clergy of being key political pivots after being handed millions in exchange for political support by politicians.
He further added that the venue has hence shifted to State House, Nairobi, where he says the government is attempting to buy the church’s voice.
“In 2022, there were regular visits by certain clergy to Karen from where they emerged with brown envelopes carrying millions in exchange for mindless political support. The venue has shifted to the State House, Nairobi, where another attempt to buy the church voice is in progress,” he added.
Ruto meets clergy at State House
His remarks come just days after President William Ruto pledged to pay at least Ksh2 billion of debt to the Kenya Methodist University after a consultative meeting with members of the clergy at State House, Nairobi.
In a statement on his official X account on Friday, February 20, 2026, Ruto explained that the Church remains an indispensable partner in Kenya’s development, playing a transformative role across critical sectors, including health and education.
“The Church remains an indispensable partner in Kenya’s development, playing a transformative role across critical sectors, including health, education, social services, and community empowerment,” Ruto said.
On his part, Ruto explained that the meeting with the Kenya Methodist Church reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with faith-based institutions in advancing the shared development agenda.
“Its enduring presence at the grassroots continues to uplift lives and strengthen the moral fabric of our society. At State House, Nairobi, I hosted leaders of the Methodist Church in Kenya and reaffirmed my administration’s commitment to working closely with faith-based institutions in advancing our shared development agenda,” Ruto said.