NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Wednesday met with Evangelical and Pentecostal church leaders at State House, Nairobi, as his administration faces mounting scrutiny from sections of the clergy over its governance approach.
The delegation was led by Redeemed Gospel Church Presiding Bishop Kepha Omae, with discussions centering on unity and collaboration between the church and the state.
In a statement following the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the long-standing partnership between religious organizations and the government in promoting national cohesion and delivering essential services to citizens.
“Religious faiths and the State serve the same people and have always worked together in ensuring national cohesion and providing social services, including education, health, and helping the vulnerable. We commit to maintain this partnership,” Ruto said.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising concerns from some church leaders, who in recent weeks have criticized the government’s direction.
A number of churches have gone as far as rejecting donations made by the President and other political leaders, signaling discomfort with the perceived politicization of places of worship.
While the President sought to affirm the partnership between the church and the state, the dialogue highlights an underlying tension that could further complicate the relationship between religious leaders and the government.
The delegation was led by Redeemed Gospel Church Presiding Bishop Kepha Omae, with discussions centering on unity and collaboration between the church and the state.
In a statement following the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the long-standing partnership between religious organizations and the government in promoting national cohesion and delivering essential services to citizens.
“Religious faiths and the State serve the same people and have always worked together in ensuring national cohesion and providing social services, including education, health, and helping the vulnerable. We commit to maintain this partnership,” Ruto said.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising concerns from some church leaders, who in recent weeks have criticized the government’s direction.
A number of churches have gone as far as rejecting donations made by the President and other political leaders, signaling discomfort with the perceived politicization of places of worship.
While the President sought to affirm the partnership between the church and the state, the dialogue highlights an underlying tension that could further complicate the relationship between religious leaders and the government.
