By Eddah Waithaka
Members of the Association of Pentecostal and Evangelical Clergy of Kenya (APECK) are advocating for a meeting between Deputy President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to discuss the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Gachagua. The clergy are hopeful that a dialogue between the two leaders could lead to a resolution of the current issue.
Under the leadership of chairman Fredrick Ngugi and deputy chairman Joseph Maisha, the officials emphasized the Church’s principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, and collaboration, asserting the importance of individuals, including leaders, coming together to work harmoniously.
Speaking at the press conference at St. Andrews Church on Wednesday, Bishop Maisha said, “We are ready as a church to mediate if we are called upon for the reconciliation of the two leaders, if at all they have political differences. The end of the differences by the two leaders will ensure that this country is safe and that it can move forward with development plans.”
In addition, church leaders have called for the withdrawal of the Religious Organizations Bill 2024, which has been tabled for consideration in the Senate by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana.
They made a plea for the execution of the Church’s agenda as outlined in the 2022 memorandum of understanding signed with President William Ruto during his tenure as Deputy President.
The leaders noted that the Agreement was formally endorsed at Ruto’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi, while he continued to campaign for the presidency.
The religious leaders stated that Ruto affirmed his commitment to the memorandum of understanding by signing it and vowed to faithfully execute its provisions should he be elected as President..
Maisha also noted that the bill is not only retrogressive and punitive, but also violates the Constitution of Kenya 2010 by further infringing on the freedom of worship enshrined in Article 32.
