Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized certain politicians for what he perceives as the mistreatment of religious leaders. Speaking during a Sunday service at PCEA Muteero Kerarapon Church in Kajiado County, Gachagua urged President William Ruto to take the concerns of the clergy seriously rather than dismissing them.
Gachagua cautioned that the current administration risks repeating the mistakes of former President Daniel arap Moi, who was accused of oppressing and humiliating religious leaders. He called on the government to uphold religious freedom and respect institutional independence.
“Let us respect the freedom of worship, expression, and speech,” Gachagua stated. “Churches should be allowed to spread the gospel without fear, intimidation, or interference.”
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He also accused the government of misusing chiefs and local administrators for political purposes, warning against interference in church affairs. “Clashing with the church or dictating sermons is a dangerous path. These men of God read the Bible and know what to preach,” he added.
Accompanied by political allies, including former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala and MPs Gathoni wa Muchomba and Wanjiku wa Muhia, Gachagua underscored the need for the government to listen to the church, describing it as “the voice of God.”
Gachagua’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the government and religious institutions over the church’s role in national matters.
Last week, President William Ruto responded to criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who accused his administration of fostering a “culture of lies” and failing to deliver on promises regarding key national issues.
Speaking at Tangaza University’s graduation in Nairobi, Ruto subtly addressed the accusations, urging leaders, clergy, and citizens to remain factual in public discourse. “We must be careful to stick to facts lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing,” Ruto said.
KCCB, led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, had earlier condemned the government for failing to address pressing issues such as taxation, unemployment, shortcomings in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We have repeatedly raised these issues, but the government has shown little response,” Muhatia said, adding that the political wrangles within the government have created unnecessary tensions and deepened divisions among Kenyans.
The bishops also accused the administration of failing to clear billions in arrears owed to faith-based hospitals under the NHIF, even as they questioned the efficiency of the newly established SHA.
The tensions highlight growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of key national concerns and its strained relationship with the clergy.
