From David to Zacchaeus: The Church's Rejection of President William Ruto

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 9 January, 2025 

McCreadie Andias 

Two years ago, William Ruto rose to Kenya's presidency, buoyed by the overwhelming support of the Christian faithful. His journey to power was steeped in religious symbolism. 

Evangelical supporters likened him to the biblical David, a shepherd who rose to kingship, while opponents mockingly dubbed him "Deputy Jesus" for his calculated embrace of Christian imagery.

Ruto's campaign trail and early presidency were marked by fervent religiosity. He crisscrossed the nation, attending a variety of church services, from Catholic masses to gatherings of obscure sects. 

Dressed in appropriate religious attire, he often knelt in supplication, wept during sermons, and attributed his electoral success to divine intervention.

However, in recent months, this alliance with the church has soured dramatically. Church leaders, once his ardent supporters, now see Ruto less as a shepherd of the people and more as Zacchaeus, the greedy biblical tax collector. 

His aggressive tax policies, rising cost of living, and perceived failure to fulfill campaign promises have turned the church, and much of the nation, against him.

Broken Promises and Rising Discontent

Ruto’s government has imposed a series of unpopular tax hikes. Salaries are taxed more heavily, fuel prices have doubled due to increased sales tax, and new levies on housing and health insurance have added to the economic burden. 

Despite these measures, public services remain inadequate, and the country’s debt crisis persists.

The backlash came to a head in June during anti-tax protests led by Kenya’s Gen Z. These young protesters not only condemned the government but also criticized churches for their perceived complicity in political affairs. 

Forced to confront this criticism, many clergy have begun openly opposing Ruto's administration.

A Turning Tide in the Pulpit

The Catholic bishops have been the most outspoken critics. In a powerful statement, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of lies and unfulfilled promises. They lambasted the administration for corruption, over-taxation, and authoritarianism. 

In a symbolic move last year, the Catholic Church rejected a Ksh. 5 Million donation from Ruto, citing ethical concerns and a refusal to be co-opted for political purposes. This act underscored a broader rejection of the "transactional relationship" between church and state.

Echoes of the Past: The Church’s Role in Activism

The church’s defiance harkens back to the 1990s, when clerics Reverend Timothy Njoya stood against the repressive regime of President Daniel arap Moi. 

Under subsequent administrations, however, the church’s activism waned, with some religious leaders accused of aligning with political elites for personal gain.

Political and Religious Fallout

Ruto's strained relationship with the church has significant implications. Analysts warn that a direct confrontation with religious institutions, which wield immense influence among Kenya’s Christian majority, could be politically disastrous.

The president's recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, stemming from disagreements over handling the protests, has further fractured his support base. Rebellion is brewing in regions that once formed his political strongholds.

While some allies initially lashed out at the church, calling its criticisms "misinformation," others have softened their tone. Ruto himself has taken to social media to signal a willingness to engage with the clergy. “We have made undeniable progress, but there remains much to be done,” he tweeted, urging collaboration to "change Kenya."

A Growing Coalition of Opposition

Ruto’s evangelical base is also showing cracks. Pentecostal and evangelical leaders have praised the Catholic bishops for their bravery, while the Anglican Church’s Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit condemned the administration’s "escalating misrule and impunity." Even Muslim leaders, such as Sheikh Abubakar Bini of the North Rift Council of Imams, have joined the call for accountability.

Kenya’s first evangelical Christian president is learning a hard lesson: the church that propelled him to power could also orchestrate his downfall. The once-reliable religious institutions now stand united in their criticism of his leadership.

As public discontent grows, Ruto faces an uphill battle to regain trust. Whether through meaningful reforms or political maneuvering, the president must confront the reality that his scriptural rhetoric alone cannot shield him from accountability.