President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday commended the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa for uniting after years of division.
The church has for a long time been embroiled in leadership wrangles, with followers of Archbishop Samson Muthuri, Archbishop Julius Njoroge and Archbishop Fredrick Wang’ombe facing each other.
Speaking at Kasarani Gymnasium in Nairobi during the church centenary celebrations, Ruto acknowledged the efforts of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in reconciling the church's leadership.
He assured the church of government support, including assistance in constructing headquarters.
Ruto said Kenyans must make sacrifices for the country to move forward and be united.
He highlighted the government's increased efforts in the education and agricultural sectors, allocating more than Sh500 billion annually to buy food from neighbouring countries.
Ruto pledged to continue supporting the agricultural sector to ensure food security.
"I would request the AIPCA church to support us in creating an environment that would generate job opportunities for the youths," he said.
Gachagua used the opportunity to rally Mt Kenya, urging leaders to emulate the unity displayed by AIPCA church.
He called for collective support for Ruto.
"Let us speak with one voice and support one another for the sake of unity, peace and the growth of our region," Gachagua said.
Archbishops Muthuri, Njoroge and Wang’ombe said the church is now united and committed to speaking in one voice moving forward.
Njoroge, Muthuri and Wang’ombe have been fighting over the leadership of the church, each leading a splinter group.
The difference between the three leaders has been so huge that they have been working from different locations.
Since 2017, Njoroge has been working from the diocese of Thika while the other two have been working from the church’s headquarters in Bahati, Nairobi.
