Former Presidential candidate and gospel artist Reuben Kigame has called out President William Ruto for what he described as overdoing religion instead of lowering the cost of living.
In a statement on Thursday, September 15, Kigame said while he is a devout Christian who believes in prayer, issues such as lowering food prices will not be met with prayers at a time the country is in an economic crisis.
“I am a committed Christian who believes in prayer and believes God has helped us this far and Will continue to trust Him for the future of Kenya, but I hope that issues such as lowering food prices will not be met with the State house saying, “let’s pray about it,“ Kigame Stated
The veiled attack by the veteran musician came in the wake of prophets and other religious leaders flocking State House.
On Wednesday, September 14, the President and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted a delegation of prophets from Africa and the popular Tanzania Zablon choir.
Kigame also questioned why the evangelical wing of the church was over represented during the Presidential inauguration ceremony at Kasarani,
“During the inauguration, the evangelical wing of the church was overrepresented. This was unnecessary. I do not know what the transition committee intended to prove to Kenya and the watching world,”
The gospel singer further advised the President to stop overdoing religion, but focus on observing Article 27 of the Constitution.
“I know I will be bashed but I need to be truthful and accountable to the nation. I think the Ruto administration is overdoing religion. While we acknowledge the hand of God in bringing us this far, the presidency must observe Article 27 of the constitution,” Kigame stated
Article 27 of the constitution talks about equality and freedom of expression stating that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
Further the article includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms. Kenya has no State Religion.
Additionally, Kigame said that the Church needs to play a neutral, prophetic , balanced and truthful role in order to provide a true spiritual direction for the country.
“I strongly believe that the church should play A neutral, prophetic, balanced and truthful role in order to provide a true spiritual direction for the country. it should congratulate the king but also be prepared to tell the king that he is naked should he be,” Kigame stated
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) disqualified Kigame for failing to meet the required qualifications, ending his presidential bid.
