‘Gov’t won’t build Schools But Churches’ – Ruto Vows To Continue With Harambees Despite Ban
President William Ruto assured the religious community on Sunday that he and his close political allies will continue to contribute to the construction of churches across the country, despite the announcement of a ban on harambees following youth-led protests.
Speaking after a church service in Chebango, Bomet County, the Head of State argued that Kenya has a long tradition of politicians and Kenyans working together in fundraisers to build places of worship, which he believes should be continued.
Ruto revealed that a bill seeking to legally establish church harambees and politicians’ participation in such events has already been introduced in Parliament.
Church fundraising events, known as Harambee, will continue.-President Ruto announced at Chebanngo AGC pic.twitter.com/E9y5wsq8wb
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“We have said there will be a different way of how leaders can participate in harambees.” President Ruto stated.
The National Assembly, which is currently in recess, is expected to debate the bill when it resumes on July 23.
President Ruto’s latest remarks are likely to bring his pronouncements under scrutiny once more, especially since they appear to contradict an earlier policy that he announced.
Following fierce opposition from Kenyans to the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024, President Ruto announced on July 5th that all public officers would be barred from engaging in harambees.
However, just days after imposing the ban, the commander-in-chief promised to cut a check to finish construction of the AIPCA church in Ndogino, Nyandarua County, which was partially completed at the time.
Ruto spoke during a church service on July 14th.
Ruto stated that, despite prohibiting state officers from fundraising, he felt it was necessary to complete the construction of the house of worship.
“There are some people who have pushed us not to do harambees in church, we have been questioning how the church will be built.”
Ruto went on to request that DP Gachagua consult with church leaders and audit the accounts to determine the balance, which he promised to pay by writing a check to the church.
Gen Z protesters raised the issue of banning harambees.
Kenyans claimed that the fundraisers were facilitating the flow of dirty money from corrupt public officials through churches.
‘Gov’t won’t build Schools But Churches’ – Ruto Vows To Continue With Harambees Despite Ban
