Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns about how politics is creeping into the church. During a Sunday church service in Meru County, Gachagua claimed that President William Ruto is using church leadership as a political weapon to silence his critics—himself included.
According to Gachagua, there's a growing trend where church leaders who welcome or associate with him are quickly transferred or pushed out of their positions. He says this is part of a wider plan by President Ruto’s allies to keep him away from the pulpit and religious communities, especially in Central Kenya where churches play a big role in society.
“These AIPCA leaders were warned not to host me. The President is now interfering with the church, trying to control who should be allowed to worship,” Gachagua said.
He even compared the situation to the era of former President Moi, known for his authoritarian rule, saying that even Moi never tried to control the church the way Ruto is allegedly doing now.
Gachagua gave examples of church leaders who he claims faced consequences for associating with him—an archdeacon from Kiguyo and Rwathia was transferred, and a bishop from Lari was reportedly threatened.
Despite the pressure, Gachagua insists he won’t back down and will continue attending church services. “The church belongs to God, not any politician. No one will stop us from worshipping,” he declared.
He also touched on the recent killing of Catholic priest Father John Maina Ndegwa in Nyandarua. Gachagua described the late priest as a close friend who openly criticized the government in his sermons. Just two weeks before his death, Father Maina had spoken boldly about national issues. His body was later found along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway with head injuries, raising even more concerns.
Gachagua now believes there's a troubling pattern where voices speaking truth to power, even in churches, are being silenced—some through intimidation, and others under suspicious circumstances.
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Politics