NAIROBI, Kenya – Apostle Ibu, an Akorino priest based in Kayole, has explained his decision to decline State House prayer invitation, saying his decision was grounded in principle.
In a candid statement, Apostle Ibu questioned what he described as a departure from long-standing spiritual norms.
“I have never seen the president invite members of other denominations, such as Catholics, to State House for worship.,” he said.
“The norm has been that the president joins congregants in their places of worship, rather than the reverse. Sunday remains a sacred day set aside for fellowship in the house of the Lord, and State House does not serve that purpose.”
Apostle Ibu says the issue goes beyond inclusivity and speaks directly to what he believes is the proper spiritual order arguing that when the president seeks prayers from prominent clergy he goes to them rather than summoning them.
“In keeping with what I believe to be God’s order, when the president seeks prayers from religious leaders like Bishop Mwai, he attends their church.
“It is therefore difficult to understand why, for the Akorino community, congregations are expected to close their churches and instead gather at State House,” the outspoken cleric stated.
President William Ruto on Sunday, April 12, hosted members of the Akorino Church for a thanksgiving service at State House, a move that drew sharp criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua accused the President of exploiting the Akorino faithful for political mileage, alleging they had been invited to “sanitise” his image and portraying participants as self-serving.
In response, Ruto asserted his authority over State House, maintaining that he has the prerogative to host any group and that the residence remains open to all Kenyans.
