•Ruto said the church has been instrumental in the running of the Jubilee government and without its support, the government would not have achieved as much.
•He said those against church donations are just politicians seeking votes and will not stop him.
Image: DPPS
Deputy President William Ruto has reiterated that he will continue supporting the church despite numerous criticism he receives from some leaders.
Ruto said the church and other religious communities have been instrumental in the running of the government adding that the country would not have achieved much without their support.
Speaking at ACK St. James Cathedral in Murang’a town during a church service, Ruto lauded the clergy for the support they have continuously accorded the government saying the two have enjoyed a great partnership.
“As the vice president, I can testify that all that the government has achieved led by the President would have been impossible was it not for God. We are the greatest beneficiaries of your prayers,” he said.
While steering away from succession politics, Ruto said he will not be dissuaded from supporting the church, assuring the faithful that the country will continue to be a God-fearing nation.
“Those making noise at us are just politicians looking for votes and will not succeed in stopping us. We appreciate the partnership you give us,” he said.
Further, the culture of giving is detailed in the bible, he said, quoting Acts 20:35 that says it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Ruto said he goes to church because he is a Christian and that his leadership position comes second.
“We will continue to partner with you in the church. Those that have been making noise at us do not understand how donations work,” he said.
He said most of the Christians who support churches do not do so because they are wealthy, adding that everyone has a responsibility to support the church according to the Holy book.
Ruto further sought to sell the bottom-up economic model that he said has its basis in the bible.
“Psalms 113 says that He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He sits them with princes... That is the explanation of bottom-up,” he said.
The deputy president also pledged to help the church’s clergy form a Sacco through which they would save and boost their welfare.
He said the country has to embrace the saving culture whose lack has plunged it into debts.
He cited China which he said saves about 55 per cent of its GDP as compared to Kenyans who save only 7 per cent of the GDP.
“That is why we are borrowing money from China because they have embraced the saving culture,” he told the church.
“I will talk to one of the clergies so that we can plan how the Sacco will be established and how it will be run,” he added.
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi on his part assured the church that the Kenya Kwanza alliance is made up of leaders who respect the integrity of the church and ensure it is not ridiculed.
"We can crack jokes out there but it would be blasphemous when making a reference to God," he said.
He said without the input of the church, the country would be lost.
Mudavadi pleaded with the clergy to continue praying for the country to hold free and fair elections saying the votes must reflect the will of the people.
"But correct us when we go wrong. Reach out to us and counsel us so that what we do and say will be done righteously," he said.
They were accompanied by MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Mary Waithera (Maragua) Murang'a senator Irungu Kang'ata and Kiambu governor aspirant William Kabogo among others.
The team is set to tour the Karuri, Kahatia and Kahuro areas of the Kiharu constituency before visiting Kangema and Kanyenya-ini in the Kangema constituency.