President William Ruto on Sunday reiterated his unwavering support for the development of churches in Kenya, dismissing criticism from Catholic bishops over his contributions.
Speaking during a church service in Kericho, Dr. Ruto emphasized that for over three decades, he has been actively supporting church initiatives and would not apologize for doing so.
“We do not apologize for giving to God because God gave first. He gave His Son, and we will continue to give so that His word can reach others,” President Ruto stated.
30 Years of Support
The President highlighted his personal history of contributing to church projects, noting, “For 30 years, I have supported church construction, and I have never lacked. I am a product of giving. We will continue to make our contributions and build churches.”
He also emphasized the collaboration between the church and the government in serving Kenyans.
,”The church and the government are partners in serving the people of Kenya. We will continue working with religious leaders and congregations to advance both the church and the nation for the good of the people.” he stated.
During an interdenominational prayer service at Kipsitet in Kericho County’s Soin Sigowet constituency, Dr. Ruto remarked that some people give to the church out of competition, which, according to him, is still acceptable as long as it helps spread the gospel.
“We will give towards church building and God’s work. We are a product of giving. God gave first, and that is why we are privileged to give to spread the gospel,” he said.
Rejected Donations
The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of a controversy involving a donation he made alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Last Sunday, the two contributed KSh 2.8 million to a Catholic Church in Kayole, Nairobi, which was later rejected by Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo.
Ruto had pledged KSh 2 million for the construction of a parish priest’s house and KSh 600,000 for the church choir, while Governor Sakaja contributed KSh 200,000.
However, these donations were declined shortly after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized the government for promoting a “culture of falsehoods, overburdening citizens with taxes, violating human rights, and suppressing freedom of expression.”
Future Pledges and NHIF Payments
During Sunday’s service, President Ruto pledged to support the construction of several churches in Soin Sigowet, Bureti, Ainamoi, Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, and Belgut, though he did not specify the amounts.
In a related announcement, the President revealed that the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) had settled KSh 5 billion owed to hospitals, with an additional KSh 3.7 billion set to be paid in the coming week to clear outstanding debts.
