President William Ruto has revealed that he has constructed a special field at State House in Nairobi meant for evangelism and hosting of religious leaders.
Speaking during a church service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County, on Sunday, January 11, Ruto mentioned the construction of the field at State House Nairobi but did not disclose further details.
Ruto’s mention of the field comes amid past criticism from Kenyans, who accused the State House of allegedly influencing religious leaders to align with the government and avoid addressing its shortcomings.
”I have a field I did construct here and it meant for evangelists, men of the cloak, you can come and step(bless) the field,” Ruto added when extending an invitation to the leadership of the United Pentecostal Church to visit State House.
President William Ruto(centre), Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja(left) and Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi during a church service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County on January 11, 2025.
PCS
Previously, Ruto sought to regain the strong support he once enjoyed from religious leaders, which has recently waned due to unpopular government policies that have sparked widespread dissent.
This was after the Catholic and Anglican churches told off the state over a culture of dishonesty and theft of public resources.
The two churches rejected monetary donations that President Ruto made on different occasions in Nairobi and Bungoma, further escalating the tensions between the state and the church.
Bishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic Church while rejecting the donations, noted that the donations made by the President contravened the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 which states that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect.
“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops,” Archbishop Anyolo noted.
Weeks later, Jackson Ole Sapit, of the ACK directed a Bungoma bishop who had accepted Ruto’s Ksh5 million donation to return the money.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, December 3, Sapit claimed the donation made by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on behalf of the Head of State was an attempt to shame the Anglican Church.
Ruto’s revelation of the special prayer field at State House is expected to spark significant public debate, particularly on social media, where he is already facing widespread criticism over government policies.
President William Ruto (right) and First Lady Rachel Ruto lift their hands during a prayer session at a past church service.
PCS