In Meru, Ruto asks church to support his government
President William Ruto at a past church service.
President William Ruto has appealed to the church to help him unite the country in line with his effort to broaden the government.
President Ruto, who rode to power partly through the support of the church, said he is in dire need of prayers to succeed in unifying the nation.
The president spoke at the African Independent Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kithaku, Meru during the annual Holy Oil Consecration service led by Presiding Archbishop Samson Muthuri.
"I need help from the church to unite this country. Just like God helped us to restore peace in the AIPCA, I believe the same God will help us have peace and unity in Kenya," he said.
The president added: "I urge you to pray that Kenyans embrace peace and unity so that we focus on development."
Dr Ruto said he was keen working against all odds to transform the country.
While hinting at plans to hire more people in government, president Ruto said there is space for all Kenyans in his administration.
"Today, we have sworn in more Principal Secretaries as part of our effort to broaden the government. Those who felt that they are left out are now in government...The government is spacious enough and no one has to leave for another to get space," he said.
The president, who has been facing backlash of making huge donations to churches, maintained that nothing will stop him from giving.
"As we build affordable housing, hostels, markets and roads, we must also build churches. We can't ask for permission to build the church. If there is a case to answer, we will answer before God," he said.
On insecurity in Meru, President Ruto pledged to deal with the menace decisively. Last week, three police reservists were shot dead when about 30 bandits attempted to steal cattle in Igembe North.
He added that the government has released about Sh1.2 billion for stalled road projects.
dmuchui@ke.nationmedia.com