Social media was awash on Wednesday, March 1, after reports went rife of mandatory fasting for State House staff every Wednesday.
The changes, which began on Wednesday, meant that no food would be provided and staff would not be allowed to come with food into the premises.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a highly placed source who was privy to the matter confirmed the reports. He, however, added that the changes were yet to be made official.
Concerns were raised about whether the prayers would be guided and if prayer points would be provided at the State House.
Others wondered whether the changes would be imposed on all the staff regardless of their religion.
The reports elicited debate on social media with some arguing that it used to happen in Karen, Nairobi when President William Ruto was the Deputy President.
Further, Kenyans online opined that religion ought to be a freedom of choice and not imposed.
"Those arguing that this used to happen in Karen when Ruto was DP so we should not complain now because we did not complain then, an injustice is an injustice and it doesn’t matter the time it is addressed.
"Forcing public servants to fast is an illegality. It is unconstitutional. This is not even fasting. It’s withdrawing people’s right to eat," digital communication strategist Pauline Njoroge stated.
"Those who have been asked to fast are not complaining while those who have not been asked are complaining on their behalf," read Kennedy Owino's post.
"Fasting is not necessarily Christian. Maybe it is for purposes of discipline and focus. Offices enforce several rituals like these," Arwa Erick noted.
"Let people pray and fast. If the president is fasting why not the employees," a user identified as Kim pointed out.
The news came on the backdrop of a report from Infotrak that revealed a section of Kenyans hailed President Ruto's steadfastness in religion.
According to Infotrak's State of the Nation, five percent of optimistic Kenyans stated that Kenya was headed in the right direction because President Ruto is God-fearing.
In September 2022, barely a month after being sworn-in, Ruto invited at least 40 bishops at State House to cast out demons.
“After this service, please don’t leave. There will be part two of this service, which is not as organised as part one. I want you all to speak a word of blessing around this compound. And those who can speak in tongues, please speak in tongues around this compound,” he added.
