We would choose prayers over power any day- Gachagua fires back at critics

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told off the opposition over increasing criticism of the Kenya Kwanza leaders’ frequent church visits, saying the trend is not about to change.

Speaking during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, on Sunday, March 5, Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza leaders led by President William Ruto would choose the church over power any day.

“Kuna watu wanakashifu raisi na mimi eti kila jumapili tuko kanisani kuomba. Ati tufanye kazi tuache mambo ya maombi. Sisi uongozi wetu ulitoka kwa maombi. Ata tukiambiwa ati ndio tuendelee na uongonzi tuwachana na maombi tutawachana na uongozi tuendendee na maombi,” Gachagua said.

Loosely translated, “There are people criticizing the President and I saying we are in church every Sunday praying instead of serving the people. I want to tell them that our victory came from God. If we were told today to choose between power and prayers, we would choose prayers.”

The country’s second in command said this will be a routine every Sunday until Kenya Kwanza’s five-year term comes to an end.

“I want to tell our detractors in Azimio we shall be in church 52 Sundays in a year for the next five year,” he said.

“If it were for human beings Ruto wouldn’t be President today and I would in Kamiti (Prison). They said they had the system, deep state, DCI , chiefs and money but we said we had God and the people. Didn’t we defeat them?” he posed.

The former Mathira Member of Parliament claimed that the former administration’s preferred presidential candidate Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition lost because of disrespecting church leaders and God.

“They discredited the church of Christ and God had to teach them a lesson that it didn’t matter how powerful they were. They insulted and threatened anointed men of God and God showed them that he is the supreme leader,” he added alleging that some of the chaos witnessed in places of worship including in Kenol town, Murang’a County, during the last campaign period were sponsored by the State.

Since ascending to power in September last year, Ruto and his deputy have attended church services in various parts of the country sparking mixed reactions from the opposition and some members of the public.

Raila recently accused Ruto of turning churches into political battlegrounds instead of delivering on his manifesto.

“We don’t say politics in church. We come to church to pray and fellowship with fellow Christians. If we want to play politician we do it at rallies.

“But our opponents have turned churches into political battlegrounds. After service, they take to the podium to lecture us about this and that…No let the church be a place of worship. if you want to talk to us do it outside the church,” Raila said early this year during a church service in Mombasa.