President William Ruto, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu (right) Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, (left) and Narok Women Rep Rebecca Tonkei, kneel for prayers during a service at the Outreach Gospel Church In Kilgolis, Narok County on August 04, 2024. [Photo:PCS]
President William Ruto’s recent reversal on the multi-billion shilling state tenders previously awarded to the controversial Adani Group marks a significant moment of weakness for his administration, following the Gen Z uprisings in June and July. This decision comes amidst mounting pressure from Kenya’s faith-based community, which has voiced deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of various national issues.
For some time, discontent within the religious sector had been simmering beneath the surface, occasionally surfacing in subtle remarks. However, this disaffection erupted openly in March 2024, when former ally Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, leader of Jesus Is Alive Missions (JIAM), publicly criticized Ruto’s administration, accusing it of land grabbing and undermining the rule of law after state operatives attempted to demolish her church property. This outburst foreshadowed the intense backlash that would follow.
On November 14, 2024, the Kenya Catholic Bishops’ Conference launched a blistering critique of the government, accusing it of mismanaging national resources, fostering a culture of corruption, and failing to meet the expectations of its people. The Church’s condemnation caught the government off guard, with some state officials responding aggressively, even accusing the bishops of aligning with opposition forces. However, as the outcry grew, the administration adjusted its tone, with President Ruto admitting that mistakes were made and acknowledging the Church’s right to offer correction.
The bishops’ concerns resonate deeply with the frustrations of ordinary Kenyans, who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the government’s promises. They expressed alarm over the rising levels of corruption, abductions, and the government’s failure to ensure justice for victims of violence and political persecution. These issues, compounded by the government’s neglect of pressing social issues like healthcare, education, and the cost of living, have put the Kenya Kwanza regime under intense scrutiny.
Ruto’s public attempts to placate the Church, including a generous cash donation to a Catholic church service in Nairobi, backfired when the church rejected the offer. The rejection of his donation highlighted growing tensions between the Church and the government, signaling that President Ruto may have miscalculated his approach.
Historically, Kenya’s mainstream churches, such as the Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian churches, have often acted as a counterbalance to government excesses. This role was particularly evident in the post-independence years and during the Moi era when the Church stood as a voice for the oppressed. Today, this critical stance has resurfaced, particularly with the Church raising alarm over human rights violations and the government’s disregard for the truth.
The situation is compounded by the rise of a wealthy and influential evangelical church sector that has, at times, aligned with the government. While these churches played a key role in Ruto’s 2022 presidential victory, they too are beginning to question their support for his administration, especially as the government’s promises remain unfulfilled.
As the Catholic bishops continue to call for accountability, it remains to be seen whether the Church will stand firm against what many see as a government that prioritizes wealth and political survival over the welfare of its citizens. In this charged political climate, the Church is positioning itself not only as a moral authority but also as a necessary check on a government increasingly seen as out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
In conclusion, the tension between Ruto and the Church signals a broader crisis of governance, where the people, through the Church and other institutions, are challenging a regime that is perceived to be drifting away from its promises and its people. As the Church rises to fulfill its role as a watchdog, it will be crucial to observe whether the government acknowledges its missteps and recalibrates its approach to addressing the nation’s most urgent concerns.
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