President William Ruto has once again defended his continued financial support to churches across the country, even as criticism grows over churches becoming venues for political discourse.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Kapng’etik, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the president declined to reveal the amount he was donating to support the completion of a local church, saying people are often jealous when such contributions are made public.

“Kwa sababu nimekuja kwa maombi ya kanisa hapa, na mmejenga kanisa mzuri ndogo ya kijiji. Sasa imesemekana kuna kazi kido imebaki. Nitapangana na hawa kabla sijaondoka tumalize iyo kazi imebaki,” Ruto said.

Translated as;

“Because I came here for a church service. And you have built a nice small village church. Now it has been said that there is a little work remaining. I will coordinate with these people before I leave so that we finish the remaining work.”

He added that he preferred to keep the details private to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

“Sitaki kutangaza hapa, kuna watu wengi wenye wako na wivu. Kwa hivyo, bishop, na assistant chief, iyo kanisa yenu nitamalizia nyinyi mahali imebaki na nyumba ya pastor,” he continued.

Translated as:

“I don’t want to announce it here; there are many jealous people. So, bishop and assistant chief, I’ll finish building your church from where it’s left off, along with the pastor’s house.”

Donations

President Ruto has consistently maintained that he will continue to support churches regardless of public opinion. During a church service at AIC Jericho on March 23, 2024, he made it clear that he does not need anyone’s approval to support religious institutions.

“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,” he stated at the time.

He said that building churches is part of building the nation and that as Kenya develops, places of worship should also grow.

“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,” Ruto said.

He also referenced the Bible to support his sentiments, quoting Daniel 11:32, which speaks about the strength and accomplishments of those who serve God.

“Ukisoma Daniel 11:32 inasema kwamba wale ambao ni waja mungu, watakuwa jasiri and watafanya mambo makuu.”

“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 said.

Just weeks ago, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) issued a strict ban on political speeches within its sanctuaries. Archbishop Ole Sapit made it clear that politicians are welcome in church but would not be allowed to address congregants from the altar.

“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 said.

He explained that politicians will only be acknowledged by name and may greet congregants, but any further interaction must happen outside the church building.

“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.”