Ruto pledges Ksh20M for church construction in Machakos
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 20, 2025President Ruto has pledged Ksh20 million to the Machakos AIC Church to support the construction of their new sanctuary.
He made the announcement while attending the consecration ceremony of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo on Sunday, July 20, 2025. After being informed that the total construction budget was Ksh200 million, the president offered to contribute 10 per cent of the amount.
He jokingly commented on the high budget, saying that the church must be made up of men and women of great faith. In response, he added that because the church has such strong faith, he, too, has faith that the full amount will be raised.
His remarks were met with loud applause from the congregation, prompting the bishop to rise in appreciation.
The president then requested the church leadership to form a committee and provide an official account number to which he would send the Ksh20 million. He emphasised that the committee should be made up of church members and reiterated that the funds would serve as a “starter” contribution.
“Na kwa sababu mko na imani, mimi pia niko na imani kwamba tutatimiza. Kwa hivyo, nitaanzisha na asilimia kumi ya hiyo milioni mia mbili. Tengenezeni kamati na akaunti maalum ya ujenzi—wewe Kiuli usimamie. Mkinipatia akaunti, nitatuma milioni ishirini za kwanza, halafu tuone vile mambo yataenda.” Ruto said.
He also encouraged those present to contribute to the project as well, referencing a Bible verse about storing treasures in heaven as he called on the congregation to support the noble cause.
“Lakini hawa watu pia watoe pesa, si ndio? Wekeni hazina yenu mbinguni… sitaki kuwahubiria.” He added.
Life after Presidency
The president further took aim at Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who had recently criticised him for building a church within State House. Ole Sapit had questioned who would serve as the bishop of that church, implying whether it would be the president himself.
In response, the president remarked light-heartedly that although he is not a bishop now, once he retires from politics, he will become an evangelist.
“Hata kuna askofu mmoja aliyelalamika sana aliposikia tunajenga kanisa pale State House. Akasema, ‘Nani atakuwa askofu? Kwani rais atakuwa askofu?’ Mimi si askofu kwa sasa, lakini nikimaliza hii kazi ya siasa, nitakuwa evangelist.”