Deputy President William Ruto is a man on a mission, a mission to ensure that the Churches in Kenya grow in all aspects.
The DP has time and again come under intense criticism over the manner of his association with various churches in the Country as his huge financial contributions keep drawing criticisms from a section of Political leaders, Spiritual Leaders and Kenyans at large.
The DP, not moved or shaken by his critics, seem to have now changed tact and is now out to teach churches how to make and save money.
First on his list is the African Divine Church (ADC).
Ruto hosted more than 4,000 faithful of the African Divine Church (ADC) for the launch of African Divine Clergy Sacco. Ruto said the government would continue to support religious organisations.
He asked church leaders to embrace savings and credit co-operative societies (saccos) to improve their financial status.
“You should come up with a programme of raising funds and later take loans,” he said. He said saccos mobilise resources for the development of the country and urged churches to be part of the mobilisation efforts.
“Saccos in Kenya have raised Sh500 billion and we want you as the Church to join in the mobilisation of local resources through saccos so that we can fund our development,” he said.
The church leaders asked Ruto and other politicians present not to shy away from participating in the development of churches.
Archbishop John Chabuga said clerics would continue to cooperate with leaders in the development of places of worship. “We will work closely with leaders on matters of church development,” he said.
Legislators present said they would ignore those criticising their contributions in churches. “We will continue to participate in the development of churches,” said Kandara MP Alice Wahome.
Her Langata counterpart Nixon Korir said the decision to accept or reject church offerings should be left to the Church, and told politicians to keep off.
“Let the Church manage its affairs and leave politics out of the church,” he said.
Others present were MPs Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), John Waluke (Sirisia), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.