Kenya, July 20 -- President William Ruto attended the installation ceremony of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Bomani in Machakos County, where he gifted the newly appointed bishop a brand new Toyota Prado and pledged Ksh20 million for a new church sanctuary.
The event, marked by vibrant celebrations, was attended by dignitaries including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, highlighting strong community and governmental support for the AIC's mission.
Ruto's contributions underscore his ongoing engagement with religious institutions, despite recent criticisms of his administration's priorities.
The consecration of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo as assistant bishop under Bishop Rev. Phillip Muia was a landmark event for the AIC Machakos Diocese, held at the historic AIC Bomani church, a cornerstone of faith in the region since the 1970s.
President Ruto's presence added a layer of prominence to the ceremony, drawing hundreds of congregants and local leaders. The Toyota Prado gift, valued for its luxury and utility, was presented as a gesture to support Kalanzo's pastoral duties across Machakos County.
Additionally, Ruto's Ksh20 million pledge toward the Ksh200 million church sanctuary project was met with applause, with the president humorously noting the congregation's "great faith" in undertaking such an ambitious endeavour.
President Ruto, often described as Kenya's evangelical president, emphasised the role of churches in fostering unity and development during his speech.
He urged the AIC Bomani leadership to form a committee to facilitate the transfer of the pledged funds, reinforcing his commitment to partnering with religious institutions.
This aligns with his broader vision, as seen in his controversial plan to build an 8,000-seat chapel at the State House, which has sparked debates over the separation of church and state.
Despite criticisms, Ruto defended his actions, stating that faith-based organisations are key to Kenya's social fabric and progress.
His presence at AIC Bomani, alongside figures like Dr. Alfred Mutua, reflects a strategic effort to maintain strong ties with the Christian community, which constitutes over 80% of Kenya's population.
The gift of a Toyota Prado to Bishop Kalanzo, facilitated through Ruto's "friends," has generated mixed reactions.
On X, some users praised the gesture as a sign of respect for the church's role in community development, with posts noting the vehicle's suitability for Kalanzo's extensive pastoral work in Machakos.
Others, including advocate Ndegwa Njiru, criticised the donation, arguing that luxury vehicles and hefty church contributions divert resources from pressing issues like poverty and hunger.
Njiru's scathing remarks on X accused Ruto of "misplaced priorities," reflecting a broader sentiment among critics who question the president's focus amid Kenya's economic challenges.
Ruto's Ksh20 million pledge, representing 10% of the Ksh200 million needed for the new AIC Bomani sanctuary, was a focal point of the ceremony.
The president's call for a committee to manage the funds underscores his emphasis on transparency in fulfilling such commitments.
The sanctuary project aims to modernise the church's infrastructure, enhancing its capacity for worship and community programs like education and charity, which have been central to AIC's legacy in Machakos.
The pledge follows Ruto's pattern of supporting faith-based initiatives, as seen in his earlier promises to fund a State House chapel and other religious projects, though these have faced scrutiny for their cost and timing.
The presence of Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, alongside Governor Wavinya Ndeti and other leaders, highlighted the event's significance beyond religious circles.
Mutua, a prominent figure in Machakos politics, emphasises unity and support for the AIC's mission. The attendance of such high-profile figures signals the government's recognition of the church's influence in the Ukambani region, a key political battleground.
This alignment also reflects Ruto's strategy to bolster ties with local leaders as the 2027 General Election approaches, amidst opposition from figures like Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Ruto's frequent church appearances, including the AIC Bomani event, have drawn both support and criticism.
While some view his actions as genuine expressions of faith, others, including Kenya's Catholic Church, have raised ethical concerns. In 2024, the Catholic Church rejected a $40,000 donation from Ruto, citing its use for political self-promotion.
This sentiment echoes in Machakos, where critics argue that donations like the Toyota Prado and a Ksh20 million pledge are attempts to curry favour with voters.
Ruto, however, remains unapologetic, insisting that his administration's partnership with churches is essential for national development and raising Kenya's ambitions beyond "mediocrity."
The AIC Bomani church, under the leadership of Bishop Phillip Muia since 2021, has been a pillar of faith and social work in Machakos. With a history tied to figures like the late Bishop Wellington Mulwa, the church has championed education, healthcare, and charity initiatives.
Bishop Kalanzo's installation as assistant bishop is expected to strengthen these efforts, with the new sanctuary poised to serve as a hub for community activities.
Ruto's contributions, while controversial, align with the church's goals of expanding its outreach, particularly in supporting youth and families in the region.
Ruto's speech at AIC Bomani emphasised his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including affordable housing and job opportunities abroad through the Kazi Majuu initiative.
He dismissed accusations of overpromising, framing his actions as raising Kenya's ambitions. However, with opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka rejecting alliances with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, the president faces challenges in maintaining public support.
The AIC Bomani ceremony, with its high-profile gifts and pledges, shows Ruto's strategy to leverage faith and community ties to counter opposition narratives ahead of 2027.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.