NAIROBI — President William Ruto attended a church service in Makadara on Sunday morning, stepping into the pulpit as his administration faces mounting scrutiny over unmet campaign promises.
The service, held at the Church of Christ in Africa, drew a mix of political allies and a few notable opposition figures, signalling the delicate balancing act the President must now perform.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joined the Head of State, along with Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, and MPs Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West) and George Aladwa (Makadara), among others.
Ruto, who has made church visits a regular feature of his presidency, used the occasion to defend his government’s record and rally support for his economic agenda.
“Building a better country takes time and unity,” he told the congregation. “We are not perfect, but we are committed to doing what is right for Kenyans.”
Calls for Delivery
The visit comes at a time when opposition leaders have stepped up their criticism of Ruto’s leadership, particularly over the high cost of living and what they describe as a widening gap between promises made and the reality on the ground.
Raila Odinga’s Azimio coalition has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to deliver on key pledges around job creation, food prices, and healthcare. They claim that the President’s nationwide church visits, while popular with some, are being used to deflect attention from these issues.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Kalonzo Musyoka, a senior figure in Azimio, said: “Kenyans need action, not more sermons. The President must meet the people where their pain is not just in churches, but in markets and homes.”
A Changing Political Landscape
Still, not all in the opposition are keeping their distance. Some local leaders have softened their tone or aligned themselves with the government, perhaps eyeing future opportunities. Their presence in Makadara has not gone unnoticed.
For President Ruto, who rose to power on a platform of bottom-up economic transformation, church services have served both as spiritual events and political stages. But as economic pressures mount, the tone of these appearances has grown more defensive.
Analysts say this may reflect shifting public sentiment.
“Initially, there was a honeymoon period,” said political commentator Wanjiru Gikonyo. “Now people want to see results. Showing up in church is no longer enough. It has to come with substance.”
Looking Ahead
Ruto’s administration insists it is on track and has blamed external factors, such as global inflation and debt inherited from the previous government, for delays in fulfilling its promises.
Whether that argument holds with voters remains to be seen.
As the President shook hands outside the Makadara church and joined parishioners in song, the message was clear: he is still seeking to lead not only from State House, but from the pews. But the goodwill earned in sanctuaries may not last forever if livelihoods outside them fail to improve.
