Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has called on religious leaders to respect President William Ruto and his administration, cautioning them against public criticism of the government.
Speaking in Nairobi, Dr. Mutua emphasized President Ruto’s commitment to inclusivity and urged the clergy to set an example by supporting the development agenda rather than fueling political divisions
“Wachungaji wengine wawe na tabia nzuri kama ya kanisa hili,” he said, encouraging religious leaders to act as moral guides rather than political commentators.
Dr. Mutua stressed that clergy members should offer guidance to wayward political leaders instead of openly criticizing them. He argued that religious figures who resort to insults and public condemnation are no different from politicians who engage in similar behavior.
“Kazi ya mchungaji ni kuangalia watu wa siasa wakileta upumbavu, wakileta ujinga anawaita anawaambia nyinyi watu wa siasa hii ndio mnapasa kuishi kwa njia ya heshima,” he stated.
He further questioned the role of pastors who engage in political rhetoric, adding, “Kama mchungaji ataanza kuongea kama mtu wa siasa, anamkosoa president hadharani, anawatukana viongozi hadharani, sasa tofauti ya MCA wa kutukanana, MP wa kutukanana na waziri wa kutukanana ni nini?”
Dr. Mutua’s remarks come amid growing tensions between religious leaders and political figures, with some clergy members aligning with opposition movements.
Dr. Mutua has previously weighed in on issues concerning the clergy and political donations. In October 2019, he criticized church leaders who rejected donations from politicians, calling their stance hypocritical. He argued that tackling corruption requires more than prayers and urged the clergy to lead by example by refusing questionable contributions.
Additionally, in September 2019, he condemned Rift Valley clerics who accused then-Deputy President Ruto of excluding them from his church donations. He warned that such demands painted a negative image of Ruto and were detrimental to the country’s reputation
His call for clergy members to foster unity and constructive engagement rather than open confrontation reflects the government’s broader push for national cohesion.
