Church leaders urge Ruto, Gachagua to dialogue

Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Association Chairman Apostle Peter Manyuru address the Press on the rift between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

Religious leaders have appealed to President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua to set aside their political differences for the sake of the country’s peace and unity.

As tension simmers across the country, the church is calling for the two to prioritise the well-being of the people over personal interests.

Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Association Chairman Apostle Peter Manyuru called on Ruto to break his silence and address the political tension.

"As a father of the nation, we expect you to break this deafening silence and relieve the tension in the country. It is not healthy for the nation," said Apostle Manyuru, echoing the sentiments of many Kenyans who fear the consequences of unresolved leadership rifts.

Manyuru stressed the importance of unity at the highest level of government, urging both the nation’s top leadership to remember their responsibility to the people, reconcile and work together.

"Let them find peace with each other and resolve their differences. This will calm the country down," he urged.

The clergy expressed concern over the growing political discord, saying it might tear the country apart.

Bishop Kenneth Adiara, the newly elected General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Kenya warned that the rift between the President and his deputy has potential of causing divisions in government. 

"The President has gone silent. As a church, we urge him to come out and break the ice so that the country can come together again. Let them dialogue as they were paired during the election," Adiara said.

The church leaders highlighted how political tension is affecting Kenyans, who are still recovering from the effects of post-election unrest and ongoing economic struggles.

“The nation is just healing from the embers of post-election protests, the effects of heavy rains as well as the scars of the demonstrations planned by Gen Zs. Kenyans need a break,” the PAG leader said while blaming politicians of coming together during elections to achieve their political desire only to begin campaigning against each other.

“It is clear that most of their political marriages are not genuine, hence they find it difficult to work together. What is happening is a clear manifestation that these leaders were cheating us the electorates,” he said.

Apostle Manyuru at the same time faulted the political class for focusing on self-interest rather than the needs of the electorate, pointing out the lack of action during critical national issues like the Adani scandal and controversy surrounding Social Health Authority. 

"When matters concern them, they unite. But when it comes to issues affecting the people, they take a back seat," he stated.

The religious leaders are standing firm in their commitment to shield the church from divisive politics, raising the heavy burden the church bears in uniting communities torn apart by political strife.

"We will not allow politicians to use our pulpits for their dirty agenda. Every week, we are out trying to bring our flock together after they’ve faced harrowing challenges brought on by those in power," Manyuru said.

Bishop Peter Barasa of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Eastleigh District, said the rift between President Ruto and his deputy is not only of public concern but also threatens the stability of the ruling coalition.

"With factions emerging every day, this tension between the two leaders has become a subject of political speculation. We want to see our elected leaders come together to improve the lives of citizens, not embark on the political expeditions we are witnessing now," noted Barasa.