Gospel artist and 2022 Presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame has accused President William Ruto and his administration of overdoing religion.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts, Kigame faulted Ruto for disregarding Article 27 of the Constitution, by giving emphasis to one wing of religion, while ignoring others.
Article 27 states that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law. The Article adds that equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms.
“While we acknowledge the hand of God in bringing us this far, the presidency must observe Article 27 of the Constitution. During the inauguration, the evangelical wing of the church was overrepresented. This was unnecessary. I do not know what the transition committee intended to prove to Kenya and the watching world,” Kigame wrote.
During his reign as a Deputy President and campaigns, Ruto has been leaning toward churches, at one point saying that he was investing in Heaven.
Kigame on the role of the church
Kigame is concerned with the dalliance between Ruto’s administration and the Church, saying that the church should play a neutral, prophetic, balanced and truthful role in order to provide a true spiritual direction for the country.
“I am a committed Christian who believes in prayer and believe God has helped us this far and will continue to trust Him for the future of Kenya, but I hope that issues such as lowering food prices will not be met with Statehouse saying, “let’s pray about it”. It (church) should congratulate the king but also be prepared to tell the king that he is naked should he be,” he added.
Ruto has even been reported by international media as being fond of quoting the scripture, praying and even sobbing in public.
His opponents have previously branded him “Deputy Jesus” for his frequent religious declarations and his association with church and pastors.
Ruto and his wife Rachael Ruto have also built a chapel in the compound at their Karen residence.