Kenya’s President William Ruto Faces Growing Discontent from Religious Leaders

William Ruto, who assumed Kenya’s presidency two years ago largely due to the Christian vote, has reportedly been unsettled by a recent decline in support from religious figures across various denominations. These leaders now perceive him less as a redeemer and more akin to the avaricious biblical tax collector. Before his electoral triumph, some of his most fervent evangelical followers had likened him to “David,” referencing the shepherd boy from the Bible who ascended to kingship. Conversely, the opposition had labeled him “deputy Jesus,” alleging that he exploited Christianity for political gain by attending diverse church services, from Catholic masses to gatherings of lesser-known sects. He would don appropriate religious attire for each occasion, sometimes kneeling in prayer and occasionally being moved to tears by sermons. Subsequently, he attributed his electoral success to divine intervention and maintained the practice of visiting a different church every Sunday across the nation. However, widespread public resistance to the tax increases implemented by his administration led to the 57-year-old acquiring a new moniker: “Zakayo,” the Swahili term for Zacchaeus, the affluent and unpopular tax collector from Jericho in the Bible. The president has consistently argued that improved public services and a reduced national debt necessitate citizens contributing more through taxes. Over the past two years, income taxes have risen, the sales tax on fuel has doubled, and citizens are now also subject to a new housing levy and a health insurance tax, which has yet to benefit many Kenyans. When significant anti-tax demonstrations erupted in June, the young organizers, commonly known as Gen Zs, also criticized churches for their perceived closeness to politicians and for allowing them to preach from their pulpits. This public outcry compelled the government to withdraw a contentious finance bill that had proposed additional tax hikes. It also prompted a reawakening among churches, whose clergy subsequently began to openly critique President Ruto and his policies. This shift was particularly significant given that the faith economy is a substantial sector in Kenya, where over 80% of the population identifies as Christian, and political fundraising can considerably enhance a church’s prosperity. Last month, Teresia Wairimu, founder of Faith Evangelistic Ministries (Fem) in Nairobi, a church frequently attended by Ruto and his family, metaphorically suggested that their “King David” was returning to the pastures where sheep grazed. “As a voter, I’m embarrassed,” she stated during her sermon. A sermon by Rev Tony Kiama of the River of God Church also recently gained widespread attention after he denounced Ruto’s government for “not serving God’s purpose but an evil one,” citing the fatalities during recent protests, the escalating cost of living, and pervasive daily corruption. The most impactful criticism came last week from Catholic bishops, whose statements carry considerable weight due to their esteemed position and influence in Kenya. They accused Ruto’s government of fostering a “culture of lies,” pointing to unfulfilled campaign pledges. “Basically, it seems that truth does not exist, and if it does, it is only what the government says,” the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops declared, also condemning corruption, avarice, and excessive taxation that was hindering the economy. One bishop characterized Kenya as an “Orwellian dystopian authoritarian” state, where dissent was met “with intimidation, abduction or even assassination”. This was a direct reference to the 60 individuals who died and the 1,300 others arrested during the anti-tax demonstrations. Furthermore, 74 people have been abducted and 26 reported missing in the last five months, according to the state-run Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The bishops’ sharp statement was followed by the Church’s refusal of a $40,000 (£32,000) donation made by Ruto during his visit to the Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi last Sunday. The Archbishop of Nairobi cited “ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the Church from being used for political