Ruto: Kenyans must not take religious freedom for granted
Ruto highlighted the uniqueness of Kenya’s religious freedom, stressing that faith plays a crucial role in the nation’s future.
Ruto: Kenyans must not take religious freedom for granted
President William Ruto has criticized recent church directives barring politicians from addressing congregants and restricting the public recognition of their donations.
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Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday night, Ruto urged religious leaders to embrace freedom of worship and not impose unnecessary restrictions.
“To continue not just believing in God, but doing something about it, because we are all the better as a nation if we believe in God. A nation that doesn’t have God in its equation is a nation that has no future,” he said.
Ruto said that Kenya is a deeply religious country and that citizens should not take their ability to worship freely for granted.
“I am very proud as president of this country that I lead a religious nation, and I want to tell you that we must never take it for granted that we have the freedom of worship in Kenya and that we can worship God however we want,” he said
“There are countries who do not have the privilege that we have. There are countries where religion is under pressure from politicians and public policy,” he added.
Ruto highlighted the uniqueness of Kenya’s religious freedom, stressing that faith plays a crucial role in the nation’s future.
“We are proud that in Kenya, we share our religion freely, and we work together freely. And I want to ask our religious leaders, let us celebrate the freedom of worship in Kenya. Let us not bring pride into religious matters,” he said, without completing the thought.
New restrictions
His remarks come after the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) announced new restrictions on political activities in its member churches, including barring politicians from making speeches during services and ensuring that their donations are treated the same as those of ordinary congregants.
The move follows a similar stance by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), whose leader, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, has insisted that even President Ruto is not exempt from these rules.
“We have said that even if the President was here, we will still do the same. Because we want what happens in the worship sanctuary to be respected, and other communication will be given out there because it would not be part of worship,” Sapit stated during a consecration service for Mt. Kenya West Bishop Gerald Mwangi Muriithi at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Nyeri County.
The NCCK’s directive, issued after an executive committee meeting in Limuru, Kiambu County, aims to keep politics out of the pulpit.
It also advises religious leaders to remain neutral by refraining from endorsing or opposing any political leader or party.
Additionally, the guidelines seek to prevent politicians from being elevated above other worshippers, with the church advising against giving them exaggerated recognition during services.
However, it allows church leaders to raise community concerns with visiting politicians, provided it remains within their areas of responsibility.
The enforcement of the rules has already been witnessed in some churches.
During a service in Nyeri, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his spouse Pastor Dorcas, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua were not allowed to address the congregation. Sapit clarified that the decision was not a personal attack.
“It is not that we don’t love you (Gachagua), but we had to establish protocol for the Anglican Church, that we will allow you to greet people outside,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto and his allies attended a separate church service at African Inland Church, Jericho, Makadara, where he defended his continued support for religious institutions.
“God has given me a chance to be a builder. And I have built many things. I’m working with the leaders of Nairobi. I aim to build three thousand new classes for the children of Nairobi… building is part of me. I have built classes since I was an MP. I’m also doing a building at State House and in the process of building, we will also build the church because I’m sure that is the will of God,” Ruto said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, who accompanied him, also criticized the church restrictions, particularly the limits on donations.
“It is up to me as a Christian to choose how to give, and I will choose to give openly,” Ichung’wa said.
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