For the past few weeks, several clips of some men of the cloth reprimanding the Kenya Kwanza administration over multiple policies and political rhetoric have been shared on various social media platforms.

Some of the summons were interpreted as veiled attacks against President William Ruto who capitalised on the church’s influence to ascend to power in 2022.

However, speaking on Sunday, October 27, 2024, President Ruto made it clear that his intention of attending various church services was not to gain fame or solicit votes.

The Head of State maintained that his purpose was to seek God’s salvation and not to use it as a means to catapult him to prominence.

“We don’t come to church to look for politics. We are very unapologetic about our faith in God and we are not in church to look for fame or to look for votes,” Ruto stated during a church service in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County.

“We come to church because we are Christians, we believe in God and in any case the constitution of Kenya’s first chapter says ‘God of all creations,” he added.

Misunderstood intentions

Ruto lamented that some people view politicians as opportunists who only go to church to advance their political narratives and agenda.

However, in defence of the political class, Ruto maintained that most of them attend church services to mend their ways and seek the kingdom like other believers.

“Ningependa kusema kama mkristo ya kwamba kuna watu wengine wakituona kanisani wanadhani ya kwamba tumekujia siasa. Hatujakuja siasa kanisani, tumekuja kanisani kwa sababu sisi ni wakristo (As a Christian, I would like to say that when some people see as in church they only think that we have come for political purposes. But we have not come to church because of politics, we have come because we are Christians),” Ruto clarified.

“Kwa hivyo nawaomba kwa unyenyekevu musitukoseshe mbinguni kwa sababu sisi ni wanasiasa. Hii siasa ni kazi tu, siasa si dhambi (Therefore, I would humbly request you that you should not be the reason why we will miss heaven because we are politicians. Politics is just working and not a sin),” he emphasised.

Message to other leaders

After defending their intentions, the Head of State pleaded with other leaders to perceive leadership as an opportunity to serve. He asked them to shelve their vested interests and ensure Kenyans receive development and proper representation.

“I would like to ask those who have received leadership blessings to know that we are servants. Let us know that we are leaders for our benefit or to gain fame,” Ruto stated.

At the same time, Ruto challenged all leaders to advocate for the unity of purpose.

“I urge all those in leadership positions to work diligently and unite all Kenyans.”