Interior Cabinet Secretary claims incidents in places of worship are politically calculated as tensions rise ahead of 2027 polls
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Ruku has accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of deliberately instigating disruptions during church services as part of a political strategy to attract public sympathy, intensifying political rivalry as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
Ruku alleged that recent incidents of disorder reported in some places of worship were not random occurrences but carefully planned actions designed to shape public perception. He claimed the pattern and timing of the disruptions suggested a coordinated effort aimed at portraying the Deputy President as a victim of political hostility, thereby strengthening his appeal among faith-based communities.
The Interior CS expressed concern over what he described as the growing politicisation of religious spaces, warning that such actions threaten national cohesion. He emphasised that churches are meant to be sanctuaries of peace and unity, not venues for political confrontations. According to Ruku, dragging worship spaces into political battles risks eroding public trust and undermining the moral authority of religious institutions.
He urged political leaders to respect freedom of worship, noting that it is a constitutional right that should not be exploited for political gain. Ruku further stated that security agencies were alert to the situation and would intervene if evidence emerged that any individual or group was deliberately disrupting religious gatherings for political purposes.
Allies of Deputy President Gachagua swiftly rejected the accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically driven. They argued that the Deputy President’s engagement with churches has always been peaceful and transparent, accusing the Interior CS of attempting to discredit him as succession politics begin to take shape.
Supporters of Gachagua maintained that political leaders interacting with faith communities is not unusual in Kenya’s democratic setting. They insisted that such engagements should not automatically be interpreted as manipulative or staged, adding that the Deputy President remains committed to respecting religious institutions.
The claims have triggered debate among the public, with opinions sharply divided. While some Kenyans share concerns about the increasing overlap between politics and religion, others view the accusations as part of broader political infighting. Social media platforms have been awash with commentary, reflecting the sensitivity of faith-based issues in the country’s political discourse.
Religious leaders have called for restraint, urging politicians to keep worship spaces free from political disputes. Several clergy members warned that continued political wrangles in churches could discourage congregants and sow division within communities. They appealed for dialogue and mutual respect, stressing that churches should remain neutral grounds that promote harmony.
Political observers say the exchange highlights the rising intensity of Kenya’s political environment as leaders position themselves ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts caution that while religious platforms offer visibility and influence, their politicisation could distract from policy discussions and deepen societal divisions.
As the debate continues, there are growing calls for clearer boundaries on political activity within religious settings. Whether the accusations will lead to formal investigations or fade into political rhetoric remains uncertain, but the controversy has reignited national conversation on the role of faith spaces in politics.
Image by People Daily
