President Ruto Meets Evangelical and Pentecostal Church Leaders to Seek Harmony and Collaboration

President William Ruto met with leaders from Evangelical and Pentecostal churches in Nairobi on December 11, 2024, as part of efforts to foster unity between the government and religious institutions. The meeting, led by Redeemed Gospel Church Presiding Bishop Kepha Omae, followed a recent tension over donations made by the president to various churches.

In a statement after the meeting, Ruto emphasized the shared responsibility of religious leaders and the state in promoting national cohesion and delivering social services such as education, health, and support for the vulnerable. He reiterated that the church and government are partners, not competitors, and called for collaboration to serve the common good.

This outreach comes amid reports that several churches have returned or rejected donations from Ruto. The president clarified that the state and the church are not in competition, urging leaders to avoid public disputes and focus on unity. He expressed concern over recent exchanges of words between clergy and lawmakers, describing them as unwarranted.

Earlier, on December 1, 2024, Ruto addressed the issue of rejected donations, reiterating his commitment to partnership. The tension escalated when Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo rejected Ruto’s donation, citing a directive from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops prohibiting political contributions to religious institutions.

During a church service in Nairobi in November, Ruto donated Ksh600,000 to the choir, Ksh2 million for a parish priest’s house, and pledged an additional Ksh3 million for the same project. He also promised to deliver a bus to the church in January. However, Anyolo maintained that the church must remain independent from political influence and safeguard its integrity.

The meeting with Pentecostal and Evangelical leaders reflects Ruto’s broader strategy to align religious institutions with government goals, while navigating the complex relationship between faith and politics. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining neutrality and mutual respect in public service.

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