President William Ruto’s recent habit of donating millions of shillings to churches has sparked outrage, especially as Kenya’s healthcare system continues to collapse. His latest contribution at the Africa Inland Church Fellowship Annex in Kesses constituency has added to the growing debate.
While he insists that his donations are meant to “shame the devil,” critics argue that this is nothing more than political showmanship, aimed at distracting Kenyans from the real issues affecting the country.
Across the country, hospitals are struggling. The failure of the Social Health Authority (SHA) has left patients in limbo, unable to access proper medical care. Public hospitals are overcrowded, medical supplies are scarce, and unpaid bills have left many suffering without treatment.
The situation is so dire that the Auditor General recently exposed the fact that the SHA’s technology is neither owned nor controlled by the government, raising serious concerns about corruption and mismanagement. This revelation has further eroded public trust in the government’s ability to handle healthcare, making Ruto’s church donations seem even more out of touch with reality.
Adding to the controversy is Ruto’s dark history. Critics continue to remind Kenyans of the 2008 Post-Election Violence (PEV), specifically the Kiambaa Church arson attack, where 36 people seeking refuge were burned alive. Many now question how the same man who was once accused by international courts of crimes against humanity can be donating millions to churches. Skeptics believe this is nothing more than a public relations stunt, using religion to cleanse his political image while Kenyans continue to suffer under his administration.
The backlash is not just from the public. Kenya’s Catholic Church recently rejected a six-million-shilling donation from Ruto, a move that highlights growing tensions between the government and religious institutions. The Catholic bishops have not held back in their criticism of the administration, openly condemning corruption, excessive taxation, and the government’s failure to address crucial sectors like healthcare and education.
Their rejection of the donation sends a strong message that not all religious leaders are willing to be part of what they see as an attempt to buy influence.
As the healthcare system deteriorates and economic hardships intensify, Ruto’s church donations are being viewed as a desperate attempt to win the favor of religious communities, particularly in rural areas where churches hold influence. However, the backlash is growing, with more Kenyans demanding real accountability and urgent reforms.
Protests are simmering, and political stability is becoming increasingly fragile. If the government continues to ignore the suffering of its citizens while pouring money into church donations, this controversy is only set to escalate further.
