Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday criticised President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza allies for their response to criticism from church clerics.
In a scathing speech, the former Deputy President cautioned UDA-affiliated leaders against coming for church leaders, referencing the trend to that he witnessed during late former President Daniel Arap Moi’s regime.
Gachagua was speaking during the celebrations of 100 years of mission work at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Kerarapon Church in Kajiado North Constituency, Kajiado County.
“That culture of being arrogant and abusive to religious leaders was there in the 1990s during Moi’s regime,” Gachagua said adding, “I can see the same pattern and we all know what the consequences were.”
Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a burial on Tuesday, November 5. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
He went on, “Let’s be humble. Let’s allow our spiritual leaders to chastise us in love. To correct us when we are wrong. Let us accord respect to our church leaders.”
Gachagua also appeared to take a subtle jab at his former boss, President William Ruto, by issuing a warning to leaders who he claimed thought had too much power.
“You think you have too much power because you are in government. Be very careful so history does not repeat itself,” the former Deputy President added.
Ruto vs Churches: On Thursday, a Catholic bishops’ lobby stole headlines with a critical statement calling out President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Led by the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, the bishops accused the government of failing to keep its election pledges while completely overlooking ordinary Kenyans’ concerns.
The church leaders had little to no good thing to say about Ruto’s regime, as they reiterated Kenyans had lost trust in the government.
In the wake of the bishops’ sentiments, a number of Kenya Kwanza leaders ranging from senators to lawmakers, issued rebuttals with some urging the church leaders to focus on the church.
On Saturday, Ruto took a reconciliatory tone as he reaffirmed his commitment to addressing concerns raised by the clergy.
“We heard the governor speak on behalf of the region. After Christmas and in the new year, we will set a date to discuss critical issues including water, roads, and the competency-based curriculum,” Ruto said during the Episcopal ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Peter Kimani as Bishop of Embu Diocese – an event which was also attended by Gachagua.
Rigathi Gachagua during a function in Embu on Saturday, November 16. PHOTO/ Rigathi Gachagua
