President William Ruto has urged unity and collaboration between the church and state in Kenya to address growing tensions.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, he emphasized the need for harmony and mutual respect.
“There’s no need for arguments or division. Let’s calm down. There’s no competition between the church, the state, or any other group. We are one nation,” Ruto stated.
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He further highlighted that Kenya’s progress depends on unity, urging the church and government officials to work together for the country’s prosperity.
The call for unity comes amid escalating friction between church leaders and the government. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) recently criticized Ruto’s administration, citing unfulfilled promises, high taxation, and a lack of responsiveness to citizens' concerns.
In a statement released on November 14, the bishops accused the government of fostering a "culture of lies" and ignoring pressing issues such as unemployment, gaps in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and challenges in transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In an apparent goodwill gesture, Ruto attended a Sunday mass in Soweto, where he donated Ksh. 600,000 and pledged Ksh. 2 million to support the completion of a parish priest’s residence.
However, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese later announced the church would return the funds, citing concerns over their origin. He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to maintaining its independence and ethical integrity, stressing the importance of avoiding undue political influence.
