Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has bitterly complained over a decision by some church leaders to bar politicians from giving monetary donations.
Addressing a congregation on his way to a fundraiser in Kiganjo Youth Polytechnic, Kiambu County, Ruto faulted the leaders who had given such directives stating that it was within politician's rights to participate in the harambees just like other Christians.
Ruto affirmed that he and other politicians were church members first before getting into politics therefore, religious leaders ought not to have kept them away from such functions.
“Those barring us from conducting church harambees should know that we are Christians first and politicians second. One cannot retire from Christianity but can from politics,” he stated.
The DP who has been synonymous with such fundraisers especially during his tenure in office seems to have been angered by the directive which was first given by Embu Diocese Bishop, Paul Kariuki.
A few weeks ago, Kariuki directed priests in the County to avoid giving politicians a platform to woo voters and trade political jabs on the pulpit or during church functions.
The same was ordered by a section of the clergy from other churches across the country who have maintained the move is aimed at ensuring peaceful times ahead of the 2017 General Election.
Ruto's love for fundraisers has earned him a fair share of criticism especially from opposition leaders who have severally questioned the source of the millions he donates during such events.
