AfriPulse
Ruto at PEFA All Nations Gospel Church, Gikomba, Nairobi County.
President William Ruto condemned the use of places of worship as venues for political attacks, delivering what appeared to be an indirect rebuke of opposition leaders. The President said churches must remain sanctuaries where congregants can pray in peace.
Speaking on Sunday at Pefa All Nations Gospel Church in Gikomba, Nairobi County, Ruto acknowledged that citizens are free to participate in politics but insisted that the house of God must remain a space of reflection, worship, and calm.
“All of us being Kenyans, we can engage in politics and seek leadership, but the house of God, at the altar, in the church, is a place of respect. Let us not bring politics, hatred, disputes, or chaos there. We want our churches to be a place of peace, a place of seeking God. And all of us, irrespective of who we are, irrespective of what we believe in, we must respect the place of God in our churches,” he said.
The President at the same time directed all security agencies to ensure churches are protected from violence and political interference.
“All arms of security must ensure that our places of worship are protected from unnecessary and useless, and retrogressive fights and politics. All of us have platforms outside the church where we can conduct our politics,” he added.
Ruto’s remarks come after violent clashes at Witimama ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, last Sunday, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders were forced to flee amid tear gas and unrest.
The attack reportedly involved live ammunition and tear gas, creating a tense situation for congregants, while several vehicles were set ablaze. Gachagua described the incident at Wairima ACK Church as an assassination attempt, claiming police dispatched two vehicles from Nairobi to carry out the operation.
Police Inspector Douglas Kanja confirmed that investigations into the attack have begun.
Opposition leaders have warned that if authorities fail to act within two weeks, they will mobilize Kenyans for mass protests, heightening tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
