NAIROBI, Kenya — Jubilee Party has hit back at President William Ruto over remarks he made during a church service in Taita Taveta, accusing his administration of turning the pulpit into a platform for political criticism.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 28, and signed by party Secretary-General Moitalel Ole Kenta, Jubilee questioned Ruto’s decision to criticise political leaders for what he described as a lack of decorum and irresponsible public remarks while addressing a congregation.
“It is the height of political irony when the Head of State stands at the pulpit of a church, a sanctuary reserved for truth, humility, and spiritual reflection, to castigate other leaders for improper decorum and reckless utterances,” the party said.
Jubilee accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of using the church service for political score-settling and defending its record amid criticism over economic conditions, taxation and what the party described as unfulfilled promises.
The party further accused the government of institutional excess and contributing to declining public confidence.
Jubilee Revisits 2022 Election
The party also invoked the 2022 General Election, saying Kenyans remember the events surrounding the poll and accusing the government of attempting to reshape that history through what it termed propaganda and “pulpit politics”.
“Kenyans are neither blind nor naive. They remember precisely what transpired during the last General Election, and no amount of state-sponsored propaganda, political theatre, or pulpit politics will rewrite that history,” Jubilee said.
The party maintained that political messaging would not alter what it described as Kenyans’ recollection of the election and its aftermath.
What Ruto Said In Mwatate
Ruto attended a Sunday service at the Pentecostal Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, on September 27, 2026, during his ongoing Coast tour.
During his address, the President urged political leaders to exercise discipline and restraint, saying those in leadership should serve as role models.
Ruto cautioned leaders against appearing drunk at public gatherings while warning others, particularly young people, against alcohol and drug abuse.
He also criticised what he described as irresponsible or incoherent public remarks, saying such statements could cause unnecessary problems.
The President further referred to the 2022 General Election, saying the election had taken place four years earlier and urging leaders to maintain decorum. His comments came amid renewed public debate over former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent remarks about the 2022 presidential election.
Ruto also told leaders to concentrate on their responsibilities rather than trying to supervise one another, saying every leader had a role to play.
Ruto Challenges Taita Taveta Leaders
The President also criticised some Taita Taveta leaders for opposing government development projects, including a proposed stadium.
He said some leaders were resisting development initiatives because they were not accustomed to seeing such projects in the county.
Ruto’s remarks came during an eight-day tour of the Coast region covering Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River and Lamu counties.
