Eric Juma and Mutuku Mwangangi @PeopleDailyke
Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga’s differences over donations to churches resurfaced again at the weekend with Ruto insisting that no one has a right to lecture him on how to do God’s work.
Ruto said he would not entertain advice from his critics, who have not been comfortable with his support for church projects.
“We have read the Bible and understood what we are called to do. Nobody should be forced to give to the Lord. Someone should not lecture us on what to do,” he said.
Also Read:
Raila, on the other hand, wondered how civil servants with modest salaries could give huge amounts of money to churches, a feat even the richest people in the country cannot pull.
“Some State officers calling themselves hustlers have been seeking permission from every church to contribute millions of shillings yet their salary does not match the many contributions ranging from Sh5 million to Sh10 million,” said Raila at Siaya Institute of Technology during a church service for retiring Maseno West Anglican Church Bishop Joseph Wasonga.
Raila claimed the Central Bank directive on withdrawal of old Sh1,000 notes before October 1 has led to a scramble by leaders to give generously in fundraisers.
Transformation agenda
Raila hailed Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit for banning harambees in the church as a strategy to tame corruption.
However, Ruto urged Kenyans to ignore empty political rhetoric orchestrated by politicians across the political divide and direct their energies to supporting the government’s Big Four agenda.
Ruto spoke in Machakos town on Saturday during a harambee in aid of AIC Katia Church project.
He was accompanied by more than 10 MPs including: Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Flabian Muli (Kangundo), George Sunkuyia (Kajiado West), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) and Eldama Ravine’s Moses Lessonet.
He hailed President Uhuru for championing political leaders unity, adding that time has come to revolutionalise politics in the country.
“We must harmonise our politics so that we create synergy and drive the transformation of Kenya together,” said Ruto.
Musyoka said it was impossible to tell politicians to stop speaking politics in church.
“Anyone telling us to stop talking about 2022 General Election should tell us why we should not also talk about Vision 2030,” he said.
He lashed out at some politicians, saying dynasties should end since they undermine the principal of democracy.
“The concept of dynasty beats the logic of democracy completely. What is the purpose of election if both losers and winners form government?” asked Musyoka.
Court case
Lessonet urged governors to withdraw the case before the court concerning revenue allocation to counties.
“We are only benefiting the lawyers; we should just come together as leaders and settle the matter amicably,” said Lessonet. Governors have accused the National Treasury and the National Assembly of holding counties hostage.
The county chiefs said the National Treasury has continuously been ignoring the Commission of Revenue Allocation’s recommendations on the sharing of revenue between the national government and the developed units.
On corruption, Raila said report by the United State’s Federal Bureau of Investigations on graft has revealed that the country can save up to Sh800 billion annually if it’s State officers trusted with public funds do not loot or waste resources.
