‘The Church Of God Must Be Built!’ – President Ruto Defends Large Donations
President William Ruto has defended his government’s subsidies to churches, stating that they will continue despite mounting criticism.
Speaking at the AIPCA church in Meru on Thursday, President Ruto highlighted that the government-church collaboration is not new, claiming it stretches back to Kenya’s war for independence.
He stated that his administration will not be persuaded by those accusing it of exploiting large donations to gain influence within the church.
“The Church of God must be built. Let me ask you, if we don’t build churches, what are we doing?” Ruto posed.
“Mimi najenga barabara, najenga hostels, halafu nisijenge kanisa? This is the Church of God. Since the days of Kenya’s fight for independence, this has been the Church of government.”
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President Ruto says he will not be deterred from donating to churches across the country
Ruto: Building of churches is equally critical to me like any other development#PrimeEdition ^RW@CynthiaNyamai pic.twitter.com/PFYq5vexvB
The President’s statements come in the wake of a contentious event at a Kasarani church, in which former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his associates were attacked during a service.
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The event has renewed debate over politicians’ attitudes toward religion and places of worship.
“These people are arrogant. They attack the church one day, then days later, they show up to hold a fundraiser, hoping people forget,” Gachagua stated following the incident.
In response to escalating insecurity in sections of Meru County, the administration committed to take efforts to defuse tensions and apprehend those responsible.
“The same medicine we used in North Rift, the one for Al-Shabaab in Boni, that same medicine will be used here to fix this long-standing issue,” Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated.
‘The Church Of God Must Be Built!’ – President Ruto Defends Large Donations
