Ruto asks 40 preachers to anoint State House, allows guests to 'speak in tongues'

President William Ruto (centre) during the prayer service at State House Nairobi on September 25, 2022. On the left is First Lady Rachel Ruto and on the right is Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. [Courtesy of PSCU]

President William Ruto on Sunday, September 25 asked 40 preachers to consecrate State House Nairobi.

The Head of State, who had just returned from UK and US trips, hosted hundreds of congregants at State House for a thanksgiving, prayer service and lunch.

Dr Ruto said he was dedicating State House to God for "hoisting me to presidency".

"After this [fellowship] service, please don't leave. There is lunch for all of you," he said shortly after the morning prayer service.

"There will be Part Two of this service, which isn't as organised as Part One. [In the second session], I want you all to speak a word of blessing around this compound. And those who can speak in tongues, please speak in tongues around this compound," said Ruto.

"I'll ask 30 to 40 members of the clergy to pray over this building (State House). To you all, don't be in a hurry to leave. Walk around State House as you pray in tongues. Let everyone know that we are finally here."

Responding to Ruto's request, Bishop Mark Kariuki, who presided over the morning fellowship, said: "You've heard the president inviting us to walk all over this place to purify it. When we (the clergy) walk around State House, we'll declare this ground purified. Any evil altar that may have been raised here will be paralysed in the name of Jesus Christ. We are more than 40 preachers. We'll pray for this place until all the hiding evil forces are driven out."

First Lady Rachel Ruto suggested that the anointing session would be led by Bishop Mark Kariuki, who is the overseer and the presiding bishop of the Deliverance Church.

Others are Bishop JB Masinde of the Deliverance Church Umoja, Bishop Arthur Kitonga of the Redeemed Gospel Church and Apostle Joe Kayo of the Deliverance Church, among others.

"This is not the last service you are having here at State House Nairobi. You will be coming here month after month, month after month," said Mrs Ruto.

President Ruto, in his speech, said he was "prayed into victory on August 9", and has every reason to thank God for his new status.

"We are here today because of God and prayer. Kenya is being celebrated across the world for [holding] a peaceful and transparent election."

The president used the Biblical Goliath and David analogy to illustrate what the election win meant for him.

"Goliath was there, in full armor. We were told that the deep state will stop our bid, but God saw us through. I want to request you to pray for our plan so that we can find food for those who are hungry, we can build houses for those who don't have shelter and we can find universal health coverage for those who are sick."

Dr Ruto also said Kenya's economy was hurting, and that on top of his plans as a president, he was asking Kenyans to pray for economic recovery.

"I want you to pray for our economy. We are not in a very good place. We are a country [languishing] in debts. The Bible says the borrower is a slave to the lender. We are chained to many debts. Sixty-five (65) per cent of all the taxes that we collect are channeled to offsetting debts. That's why I'm asking you to pray for our economy. Let us pray for a paradigm shift in our country's economy. We have laid good plans and I can see light at the end of the tunnel," said Ruto.

The Head of State said the reason Kenya borrowed heavily was because it wasn't saving enough for rainy days.

"Part of the reason we borrowed heavily from others was because we haven't been prudent in saving for our own nation. The Bible says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. So, instead of us leaving an inheritance for our children, we are leaving debt for them. We cannot continue to borrow from the savings of others," he said.

Kenya's debt burden currently stands at just over Sh8.5 trillion.

To promote and improve a savings culture among individual Kenyans, the president said his government will push for a review of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) policies.

Dr Ruto wants Kenyans to contribute to NSSF based on the strength of their income, and not "a blanket figure of Sh200 set in law".