Lavington United Church has canceled a planned fundraiser following controversy over the invitation of First Lady Rachel Ruto as the guest of honor.
The event, scheduled for June 30, aimed to raise funds to complete their church.
“The pastoral team and church leadership cordially invite you to a fundraising event to complete our sanctuary on June 30, 2024 ay Lavington United Church. The Chief Guest will be Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya.” The initial invitation signed by Rev Simon Mutahi read.
Lavington Church Receives Warning
The invitation stirred strong reactions online, with Mwabili Mwagodi leading a campaign against politicians participating in church events.
Mwagodi warned the church through a direct message to Rev Simon Mutahi about their objection to the attendance of Rachel Ruto, who once said Kenya needs prayers and not fertilizer to grow crops.
“My name is Mwabili Mwagodi. I am the person who started the campaign to get rid of politicians from the church pulpit in Kenya. I see here you have invited Mrs. Rachel Ruto to your church for a fundraiser… This message is to notify you that we are coming for the fundraiser. God bless you,” Mwagodi stated.
Rachel Ruto Disinvited, Fundraising Canceled
Responding to the backlash, Rev Mutahi informed Mwagodi that the First Lady would not attend. Consequently, the church announced the cancellation of the fundraiser event.
“The leadership and pastoral team of Lavington United Church wishes to inform members that the fundraiser event scheduled for June 30, 2024, has been canceled,” the notice read.
The cancellation shows Kenyans’ concerns about politicians such as Oscar Sudi giving big donations of upto Ksh20 million to churches. And especially after the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests.
Kenyans think the government should use that money for national development instead. They worry some of the money might come from corruption, and feel the government is overtaxing them to fix its own problems. This has made the President and his family, including Rachel Ruto, less popular, especially among younger Kenyans (Gen Z).
By Vivian K.