Ruto hails Mt Kenya clergy in high-level meeting
President William Ruto has praised religious leaders from the Mt Kenya region for their continued role in shaping the moral fabric of the nation and contributing to its social development, even as tensions between the state and some church institutions continue to simmer.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, April 14, 2025, the Head of State said the transformation of the country requires collaborative efforts across all sectors of leadership—including political and religious institutions.
“The transformation of our country calls for concerted efforts from all sections of leadership including political and religious leaders,” Ruto said.
In the meeting held at State House, Nairobi, Ruto commended the religious leaders drawn from Kiambaa, Kabete, and Thika in Kiambu County, for their unwavering service in key areas such as education and healthcare.
“We appreciate the invaluable role played by our religious leaders in upholding the moral fabric of our society. Their contribution in the provision of education and delivery of healthcare are testament to their commitment to the well-being and progress of our nation,” he added.
Ongoing tensions with the church
Ruto’s remarks come against the backdrop of an increasingly strained relationship between his administration and the church.
Some congregations have recently returned or declined financial donations from the Head of State and politicians allied to him, while others face public criticism for accepting donations, over concerns of the politicization of the pulpit.
The tension first came into the spotlight in late 2024 when the Catholic Church publicly rejected state donations in November 2024.
In response, Ruto on December 1, 2024, moved to downplay the perceived rift, urging religious leaders to avoid confrontational rhetoric.
“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 stated.
More recently, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) took a bold stance, barring politicians from speaking during services.
The directive, issued by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit on March 16, 2025, during the consecration of ACK Nairobi Diocese Bishop Jonathan Kabiru, marked a significant shift in the church’s engagement with political figures.
“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,” Ole Sapit declared.
“We will mention their names and they will wave their hands and 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 in all our churches.”
In addition to banning political speeches inside the sanctuary, Ole Sapit also issued new guidelines on church giving, emphasizing that offerings should remain private.
“Giving in the Anglican church will not be announced just give as God directs you to give, for what we give to God we shall not tell human beings what we have given to him,” he added.
