Numbers don’t lie: Why Ruto’s future looks uncertain as Pastors flock at Wamunyoro residence

During the 2022 elections, President William Ruto relied on the church to strengthen his political base.

He attended church services regularly, made large donations for church renovations, and built strong relationships with religious leaders.

This strategy helped him gain support from the clergy, who influenced their congregations to back his presidency.

However, as the 2027 elections approach, this church network may no longer be on his side.

Religious leaders are now shifting their allegiance, with many choosing to visit Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence.

Recently, Gachagua hosted a large delegation of pastors who prayed for him and discussed the political direction of the country.

This visit suggests that clergy members are starting to distance themselves from Ruto and are aligning with other political figures.

The shift is big because religious leaders played a crucial role in Ruto’s election, and losing their support could weaken his influence in 2027.One major reason for the fallout between the government and the church is the crackdown on religious institutions.

After the Shakahola tragedy, where hundreds of people died in a cult-related incident, authorities increased scrutiny on churches.

This led to the arrest of prominent pastors like Ezekiel Odero, though he was later released.

The crackdown did not stop there. The government also demolished part of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru’s church and attempted to repossess another church’s land in Nairobi.

These actions angered many in the clergy, who now see the government as hostile to religious institutions.The situation worsened when the Kenya Kwanza administration suggested taxing churches.

Although the plan was not implemented, it sparked outrage among religious leaders. Pastor Margaret Wanjiru, who usually avoids political matters, even held a press conference to condemn the proposal. Many pastors felt betrayed, considering the role they played in supporting Ruto’s election.

This further strained the relationship between the church and the government.

With Gachagua actively engaging religious leaders, he seems to be positioning himself as the new political ally of the clergy.

His recent meeting with pastors at his Wamunyoro residence was a clear signal that he is working to gain their support.

The large number of religious leaders who visited his home suggests that a major shift is happening in his favor.

If this trend continues, Ruto may struggle to get the same level of church support he enjoyed in 2022.

With religious leaders distancing themselves from Ruto and aligning with figures like Gachagua, it remains to be seen how this shift will impact the next elections.

If Ruto loses the backing of the clergy, it could be a major setback for his re-election bid.