DP’s Diary: Inside Kindiki’s push to strengthen church-state ties

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had a busy week, which saw him reaffirm his commitment to help churches during harambees, even as he insisted that there should be no conflict.

On April 30, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki held a consultative meeting at the Official Residence in Karen, bringing together the Kenya Forestry Service, the Ministry of Lands, and representatives from the Nakuru County Government.

Also present were political leaders from the Bahati Constituency, as a follow-up to Kindiki’s recent tour of the region, where residents had requested government interventions to resolve two key issues.

These matters include improving the relationship between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and local communities to support public-centred sustainable conservation, and finalising land adjudication in the constituency.

On the same day, Kindiki met with political leaders from Nyandarua County, declaring the government’s commitment to fast-tracking development projects across all parts of the country.

“Regular consultations with elected leaders help track the progress of development projects and gather feedback from the people on service delivery,” Kindiki said.

He added that the meeting reviewed progress on ICT hubs, fresh produce markets, affordable housing, and other ongoing national government projects in Nyandarua County.

On April 29, Kindiki attended a Cabinet meeting at State House chaired by President William Ruto.

On April 28, Kindiki toured Samburu County, reiterating the government’s commitment to equitable development across the country.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed Maralal Municipality Market in Samburu West, Kindiki assured residents that every region would benefit from transformative projects designed to improve livelihoods.

“My work is to assist the President in delivering development to the people of Kenya, and I will ensure Samburu is not left behind, benefiting from development just like every other part of our country,” Kindiki said.

The Maralal Municipality Market is part of the national government’s initiative to construct over 400 modern markets across the country. Built for Sh73 million—with Sh23 million contributed by the county government—the market provides traders with modern, dignified working spaces.

Earlier that day, Kindiki chaired a meeting of Cabinet committees at the Official Residence of the Deputy President in Karen.

“Urgent government agenda items have been considered and transmitted for Cabinet review to accelerate service delivery to the people,” he wrote on his X account.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, and members of the Cabinet Secretariat were present.

On April 27, Kindiki attended a major harambee fundraiser in Kisii to support Marani Catholic Church, an event also attended by key Kenya Kwanza politicians.

During the harambee, Kindiki defended the government’s partnership with churches, dismissing claims of a rift between church and state.

Speaking at Marani Catholic Church in Kitutu Chache, Kindiki emphasised that the government complements, not competes with, the church, stressing that leaders view the church as an ally.

“As a government, we respect the church. We have no quarrel, no competition with them; we only complement each other,” Kindiki stated.

He added that the government would engage only with churches willing to partner.

“Our objectives are the same. Those who are happy with this partnership, we shall work with you. Those who are not ready — we respect you,” he said.