Recent concerns about President William Ruto’s interactions with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) have highlighted tensions between the church and political leadership.
During a recent public address, a PCEA bishop expressed regret over trusting Ruto, alleging that promises made to the church were not fulfilled.
This criticism reflects growing dissatisfaction among some religious groups, which had initially supported Ruto, but now feel let down by his administration’s governance and unkept commitments.
The strain stems from broader issues, including economic challenges and controversial policies. Many church leaders, including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been vocal about what they see as excessive taxation and rising costs of living under Ruto’s government.
These criticisms extend to accusations of prioritizing political optics over genuine reform, creating a rift between the state and religious institutions that once championed Ruto’s rise to power.
The PCEA bishop’s strong statement underscores a broader shift within Kenya’s religious landscape, with some churches reevaluating their role in politics.
Leaders are increasingly calling for transparency and ethical governance while distancing themselves from political alliances that may compromise their integrity.
This growing critique from the pulpit could signify a turning point in how faith communities engage with political leaders in Kenya.
PCEA bishop in pain narrating how Ruto conned them. He said the same mistake will never happen again. pic.twitter.com/ObN0P6vio6
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) November 26, 2024
