• In 2018, Ruto told off critics of his frequent countrywide tours and harambees, especially for churches.
Image: FILE
Now that there is no church to donate money, take it to the poor during this coronavirus spread, ODM leader Raila Odinga has said.
In an apparent attack on DP William Ruto, Raila said politician should now put their efforts into helping rather than sitting at home.
In 2018, Ruto told off critics of his frequent countrywide tours and harambees, especially for churches.
"Some people condemn me for going around, raising money here and there and in church. It’s up to them. I’m investing in heavenly matters. If you want to invest elsewhere, that is your right," Ruto said.
But Raila told Citizen TV on Friday that it was time for politicians to help the needy instead of politicking.
"Wamezoea siasa ya kupinga na kupiga kelele .. ni wakati wakutoa huduma kwa wananchi... kuwasaidia kidogo kidogo... sasa hakuna kanisa," Raila said.
(They are used to making a lot of noise...It is time to help the people...now there is no church for donations)
"..Ile pesa walikuwa wanapeleka kanisani, sasa wapelekee wananchi.. hakuna mwenye ako nayo...tusaidiane wote ..sio tu kuzoea kupinga na matusi."
(The money that you were taking in church, now take it to the people. Nobody has money but we need to help each other not only doing politics of back and forth)
Last month, Raila hit out at Ruto over his stand on storing his 'riches in heaven'.
Without naming names, Raila who was speaking during Kiambu businessman Nginyo Kariuki's burial on Tuesday said people should also invest on earth.
Raila has always questioned the source of Ruto’s money, which he has been donating in harambees across the country.
The AU envoy also challenged Ruto to take a lifestyle audit, saying he is living beyond his means, as his salary is known.
But Ruto has reiterated that he will not stop supporting churches through donations despite opposition from Raila and other critics.
He said people must not forget God who helped them prosper.
Ruto said many independent churches are in dire need of development and he will not tire to work with their leaders to help improve them.