The Atheists in Kenya Society on Tuesday, September 6, congratulated President-elect William Ruto with demands after the Supreme Court upheld his victory.
In a statement, Society President, Harrison Mumia congratulated the newly elected President, William Ruto but demanded that he should not privilege religious beliefs.
“We would like to congratulate the president-elect Willam Ruto for being duly elected as the president of Kenya. We would like to thank the supreme court judges for safeguarding the will of Kenyans,”
The society thanked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and especially chairperson Wafula Chebukati, as well as Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu for ensuring the integrity of the elections. Notably, it left out the four breakaway commissioners in its message.
"We would also like to thank the IEBC, in particular Mr. Wafula Chebukati, Prof. Abdi Guliye, and Mr. Molu Boya for guaranteeing the integrity of our election against many odds," read part of the statement.
However the society asked Ruto to protect secularism and the freedom of religion as specified under Article 8 Section 32 of the Constitution.
The Society called upon Ruto to promote secular beliefs and freedom of religion according to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and that it will oppose attempts to privilege religious organizations in the country.
“We will vehemently oppose any attempt to privilege religious organization and religious beliefs in Kenya”
Two years ago, the society clashed with Ruto after the DP during a visit to the Anglican Church of Kenya in Khwisero where he said “I want to say for the avoidance of doubt that Kenya is a country of prayer and not reggae and magicians. We will stop this reggae.”
However, he was referring to Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s famous slogan ‘Nobody can stop reggae’ that became popular during rallies for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
The Society in a rejoinder fired back at Ruto blaming him for advancing religious nationalism at a time he was holding a key constitutional office.
“We are concerned that the Deputy President is advancing religious nationalism. Given that he holds a key Constitutional office, such remarks demean the status of his office and pose threat to our Constitutionalism,” the Society President, Harrison Mumia stated
The President-elect is a known prayerful man and disclosed on Monday, September 5 that he prays with his wife, Mama Rachel Ruto, before they leave their house for work every day.
According to the 2010 constitution, Kenya does not have a state religion.
