Ruto hosts another set of religious leaders

By , December 13, 2024

President William Ruto has convened a meeting with another set of religious leaders at State House Nairobi on Friday, December 13, 2024.

In a statement via his X account after the meeting with the Igembe Pastors Network from Meru, led by Bishop Sammy Festus, the Head of State said that apart from having a critical role in the evangelization and promotion of morality, the religious organisations have also partnered with the government in advocating peace and unity.

“Religious organisations have a critical role in evangelization and promotion of virtue and morality. They are also partners with the Government in advocating peace, stability, cohesion and unity. Met the Igembe Pastors Network from Meru, led by Bishop Sammy Festus, State House Nairobi,” Ruto stated.

Ruto meeting with Evangelists

On Wednesday, December 11, Ruto hosted Evangelical and Pentecostal church leaders as he sought to establish harmony with the clergy.

Issuing a statement after the meeting, Ruto declared that the church has always worked together with the government, reiterating their commitment to continue with the partnership. 

“Religious faiths and the State serve the same people and have always worked together in ensuring national cohesion and providing social services, including education, health and helping the vulnerable. We commit to maintain this partnership,” Ruto stated. 

The clergy led by Redeemed Gospel Church Presiding Bishop Kepha Omae met the president at State House in Nairobi. 

The meeting follows sustained criticism over what the church described as poor leadership and governance by the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

The churches decried that President Ruth was leading the country in the wrong direction and returned donations made by the president and other leaders. 

President William Ruto with the clergy
President William Ruto with the clergy on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X

Ruto vs church leaders

On Sunday, December 1, 2024, after the church rejected his donations, Ruto clarified that the state and the church are not in competition.

While downplaying the rift, the president pleaded with various church leaders to drop the exchange of words and champion unity. The Head of State indicated that the recent war of words between some men of the cloth and lawmakers is unwarranted.

“There is no need to hurl insulting words; there is no need to be in competition; there is no need of all the other things. I want to ask you to calm down; there is no competition between the church and the state. We are partners, and we are one country,” Ruto said.

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