President William Ruto stated on Sunday that his deep faith should not be intertwined with politics or his responsibilities as the Head of State. Speaking during a church service in Uasin Gishu County, he emphasized that he has been a devoted believer long before entering politics and that attending church is simply a way to nourish his faith.
He called on his political opponents to refrain from politicizing his church visits, asserting that he respects the sanctity of the church and does not use the pulpit for political purposes. “Some people see us in church and assume we’re there for political reasons. We attend church because we are Christians, we have faith, and we aspire to go to heaven,” Ruto explained. “I urge you not to deny us the chance of reaching heaven just because we are politicians. Politics is just a job; it’s not a sin. We know where to engage in politics and seek votes.”
This statement comes amid criticism of politicians who have increasingly used church platforms to discuss political issues. Following protests led by young Kenyans from June to July, politicians had faced backlash for showcasing their wealth in places of worship, attacking opponents, and promoting government policies from the pulpit. The public outcry prompted a shift, with many politicians now avoiding political discussions in church, while clergy acknowledged that this change in conduct would have a lasting impact nationwide.
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