President William Ruto has vowed to continue contributing to the building of churches nationwide despite mounting pressure to ban political leaders-led harambees in places of worship.
Speaking on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Chebango, Bomet County, the Head of State argued the country has a long-standing tradition where people come together and contribute to building sanctuaries.
President Ruto told the congregants that it is tantamount for the tradition to be upheld.
However, the Head of State indicated that the government and elected legislators and making proposals to ensure that the contributions are made in line with the law.
“We have said there will be a different way of how leaders can participate in harambees,” Ruto assured the church leaders.
Mounting pressure
His sentiments come amidst pressure from a section of Kenyans for President Ruto to honour some of the demands that were raised during the nationwide protests.
The issue of harambees predominantly featured in a list of demands raised by the protesters who accused the church of promoting graft by accepting huge donations from political leaders.
They further argued that the church had given a platform for the political leaders to flaunt millions yet the government is lamenting over huge debts.
Following pressure from the protesters, President Ruto publicly announced that Public Fundraising Appeals Bill is ready for publication. The President said the measures barring State and public officers from engaging in Harambee was ready.
This is after he declared that no state officer would be allowed to participate in fundraising activities. The president also directed the state officers to keep off philanthropic activities.
“The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contribution for public, charitable and philanthropic purposes,” Ruto said.
Defies his promise
However, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, President Ruto went against his pledge and promised to write a cheque to a local church.
His promise attracted mixed reactions with a section of Kenyans calling out the Head of State for failing to keep his promise on harambees.
However, he insisted that the contributions will be guided to the proposed law.