Ole Sapit: President Ruto not exempt from ACK's pulpit gag
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Jackson Ole Sapit.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Jackson Ole Sapit, has made it clear that the new protocols he announced a week ago for politicians will not exempt President William Ruto.
Speaking during the consecration of Mt Kenya West Bishop Gerald Mwangi Muriithi at St Peter's Cathedral in Nyeri County on Sunday, Sapit said the rules would cut across the political divide, dismissing the notion that they were meant for a section of politicians.
"We said that even if the President was here, we would do the same. We want what happens in the sanctuary to be respected. Other communications will be given out there because it will not be part of the service," the Archbishop said.
This comes as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, who were the first casualties of the new rules, flocked to the church service to witness the consecration of the new bishop.
Mr Gachagua was joined by his wife Pastor Dorcas, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and other leaders.
"It's not that we don't love you (Gachagua) but we had to establish a protocol for the Anglican Church that we will allow you to greet people outside," Sapit said.
Last week at ACK St Stephen's Church in Makadara, Nairobi, Sapit barred politicians from addressing the congregation in the church as well as announcing their donations.
Instead, the Archbishop urged them to address their supporters outside the church, a move that saw Mr Gachagua, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja leave the church quietly.
Sapit went on to recognise the leaders present who responded by standing and waving to the congregation.
Bishop Muriithi was elected to become the third bishop of ACK, Diocese of Mt. Kenya West. His election took place on February 8, 2025, at the ACK St Peters’ Cathedral. He is taking over from the retired bishop Joseph Kagunda.
Ruto vows to continue giving
The President and his allies attended the church service at African Inland Church, Jericho, Makadara, where he reiterated that his kindness in giving and supporting the church would not be stopped.
President William Ruto, African Inland Church Jericho Rev. Josphat Musili (left), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'a and Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi during a Sunday service at the church in Nairobi County on March 23, 2025.
President Ruto said that he would continue supporting the church at any given time, stating that he did not start building the church the other day.
“God has given me a chance to be a builder. And I have built many things. I’m working with the leaders of Nairobi. My aim is to build three thousand new classes for the children of Nairobi…building is part of me. I have built classes since I was an MP. I’m also doing a building at State House and in the process of building, we will also build the church because I am sure that is the will of God,” President Ruto said.
The President also said that his work of uniting the country would not lock anyone out, stating that the government is big enough to accommodate all the communities.
“We will work together with all the leaders. Political leaders, religious leaders because it is the will of God to work together…It is in that note that we are uniting, and working together.”
He was joined by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Makadara MP George Aladwa among others.
Mr Ichung’wa said that how he chooses to give his offering as a Christian should not be dictated by somebody else.
“It is up to me as a Christian to choose how to give and I will choose to give openly. There is a reason why everybody gives in church and gives to God…we should leave the work of judgment to Almighty God because every individual who gives in church gives because they know why they are giving thanks to the God that they believe in. Nobody should judge and tell us that we have to do things in the way you believe in,” Mr Ichung’wa said.