- He appealed to church leaders to help the government eradicate illicit brews, drugs and insecurity challenges occasioned by banditry and cattle rustling.
- “We need more missionaries in remote areas of our country experiencing insecurity challenges. We need spiritual armies in such areas,” Ruto said.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has emphasised that the government and religious organisations have a collaborative role in tackling social ills and economically empowering communities.
He said the government and the church will therefore continue working together to improve the living standards of Kenyans.
Speaking during the 24th General Assembly at the St Andrews PCEA Church in Nairobi, Ruto commended the role played by churches in the development of education and health, among others.
“We appreciate the role of the church on matters of education, health and creation of awareness on various issues,” he said.
Ruto said the government will continue working with the church to initiate development projects aimed at empowering citizens.
He appealed to church leaders to help the government eradicate illicit brews, drugs and insecurity challenges occasioned by banditry and cattle rustling.
The Head of State regretted that many families have been affected by the menaces of illicit brews and drugs, especially because many young people have been addicted to these substances.
He was emphatic that no effort would be spared in eradicating the two vices.
Ruto acknowledged that unemployment has greatly contributed to alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
“We have a coherent and intentional plan, through the affordable housing programme and the digital economy, to create job opportunities for our people. We now have 140,000 young people working in the housing programme across the country,” he said.
Ruto further pointed out that the government was concluding bilateral labour agreements with 19 countries to help more people get jobs abroad or remotely work for foreign organisations from Kenya.
On insecurity, President Ruto urged the church to take the lead in preaching peaceful co-existence among warring communities.
This, he said, is by sending missionaries to the affected areas to spread the gospel.
“We need more missionaries in remote areas of our country experiencing insecurity challenges. We need spiritual armies in such areas,” Ruto said.
He went ahead to assure Kenyans that problems related to the National Health Insurance Fund will soon be a thing of the past.
The president said necessary legislation has been enacted to eradicate corruption which has been the stumbling block in the provision of health.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also asked churches to join the government in the war against drug abuse and illicit brews.
“We cannot win the war against these vices without the support of the Church. The Church can help by establishing rehabilitation centres for those affected by illicit brews and abuse of drugs,” Gachagua said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa emphasised the need for the church to continue being the conscience of society.