Kenya’s opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto of using taxpayer money to win support from religious leaders, calling the move a misuse of public resources meant to benefit all Kenyans.
The claims were made during a pastors’ ordination event in Machakos County, where several opposition figures, led by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, warned church leaders not to be drawn into politics.
Kalonzo alleged that some church leaders had been given expensive gifts, including Toyota Prados, to support the president and help him regain popularity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Some bishops are being given Prados and then sent to convince me to join Ruto,” Kalonzo claimed. “This is public money. Kenyans are now asking, where is this large amount of money coming from?”
Kalonzo was joined by other opposition leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K party) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who also criticized the government’s relationship with the church.
Wamalwa said bribing religious leaders and the public amounts to political blackmail. He urged Kenyans to pray for leaders with integrity and vision for the country.
The opposition believes that President Ruto is trying to use the church to build political support rather than focus on solving the country’s real problems such as unemployment, high cost of living, and regional inequality.
Gachagua, who recently rejoined opposition politics, claimed he has been chosen as a spokesman for several communities including the Kamba, Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu. He challenged those trying to reach Kalonzo through intermediaries to go through him instead.
“If you want to talk to Kalonzo, don’t use brokers. I’m now the spokesman,” Gachagua said.
This confrontation comes just days after President Ruto praised his government’s achievements during a speech at the Evangelical Alliance conference. However, opposition leaders say the president is focused more on image than delivery.
They also accused Ruto of trying to weaken the opposition by interfering with their unity and messaging.
Despite these accusations, President Ruto continues to travel internationally, with his next stop being the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Meanwhile, questions about the use of public funds for religious donations remain unanswered by State House.
The opposition says it is working on forming a strong alliance to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general election.
