Ruto vows to challenge law curbing donations

DP William Ruto (centre) with Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali (right) and Mumias West MP Johnson Naicca at ACK Mumias in Kakamega County, yesterday. [DPPS]

Deputy President William Ruto has vowed not to allow any law aimed at curbing church donations pass as suggested by some leaders.

Speaking at Mumias Anglican Church of Kenya ((ACK) where he graced the diocesan yearly prayers, Ruto said, those propagating a change of the law were non-religious people who do not value the importance of churches.

He warned those pushing for the law reforms that it won’t happen in Kenya and they had to move out if they wanted to achieve their agenda.

“Those saying they will formulate a law that will curbleaders from helping the church should be warned that we won’t allow that to happen here in Kenya,” Rutosaid.

The DP said politicians engaging in such debates will fail and they and their parties will perish too.

He quoted the bible from Deuteronomy 8.19, saying the nation will continue to be a God-fearing State.

“Any political party or politician that attempts to undermine what God intends by any means including passing legislation that is against the word of God, will perish,” said Ruto.

He took a swipe at leaders opposing his generous donations in churches, saying they lacked gratefulness to God who brought to them the same leadership.

The DP was reacting to the recent proposal by National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi for amendments to the Public Officer Ethics Act, capping harambee contributions to Sh100,000.

Addressing the congregants, Ruto also outlined government projects in the region.

He warned leaders against divisive politics saying, “Jubilee Party was formed on the basis of unity, prosperity and peaceful consistence of our republic and our leaders ought to stand by that.”

Ruto broke protocol during the function, addressing the congregants first before the MPs present, and the leaders had to ask him for a chance to speak too.

The MPs said they will oppose any motion in the National Assembly aimed at curbing church donations. “We want to assure the church that if such motion is brought on the floor of the Assembly, majority of us will bring it down,” said Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes).

Other MPs present included Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Justus Murunga (Matungu) Muriuki Njagagua (Mbeere North) and the host Jonson Naicca (Mumias West). Former Sports CA Rashid Echesa and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale were also present.