Chairman of the Evangelical Federation Archbishop Samwel Njiriri in EldoretThe Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya has defended President William Ruto’s performance in office, saying his administration has made major strides in key economic sectors.
FEICCK chairman Archbishop Samwel Njiriri said the President’s development record could not be dismissed by critics when his achievements were evident.
Njiriri, who is also the general overseer of Stewards Revival Pentecostal Church, said some of Ruto’s critics were driven by political hostility.
“It’s not fair for anyone to claim that Ruto has not done anything, yet we can all see what he has done, right from the affordable housing projects, markets, major roads and other projects that are of great benefit to the country,” he said.
The clergyman also cited the development of Talanta Stadium and other sports facilities in the country, as well as achievements in the agricultural sector.
He urged Kenyans to support Ruto to deliver on his mandate, arguing that the President had laid a strong foundation for the country’s economic growth.
At the same time, Njiriri warned politicians against spewing tribal and political hatred, saying this could push the country towards a situation similar to the 2007-08 post-election violence.
He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and security agencies to act firmly against leaders he accused of driving the country towards violence.
Njiriri said leaders who incite Kenyans to violence should be barred from participating in elections, arguing such behaviour makes them unfit to hold leadership positions.
“Some of our leaders are really after causing chaos in this country because of selfish political interests. We are asking all relevant agencies to act as per the law and protect the unity and safety of our nation,” he said.
He made the remarks at Shauri in Eldoret, where Stewards Revival Pentecostal Church is hosting a women leaders’ conference.
Njiriri said security agencies should also act firmly against leaders who use goons to cause chaos at political forums.
He said elections were meant to allow Kenyans to elect leaders of their choice and that voters’ freedom to exercise that right should be guaranteed and protected.
“It’s criminal when we hear some leaders saying people in certain regions must vote in a particular manner or face consequences. That should not be allowed in our country,” Njiriri said.
Margaret Muthigani, the chairlady of the conference, also urged leaders to guard their tongues as the country prepares for next year’s polls.
“Whenever there is violence, it’s the women and children who suffer most, and we urge our leaders to preach peace and unity as we move to the elections period,” Muthigani said.
Njiriri and Muthigani said they would stand with President Ruto, saying he had a mandate from Kenyans and God to lead the country.
Instant analysis
The church leaders’ endorsement of President William Ruto reflects the growing political positioning of religious voices ahead of the 2027 general election. While praising the administration’s development record, Archbishop Samwel Njiriri also shifts attention to the risks of political violence, hate speech and voter intimidation, issues likely to dominate the electoral conversation. His call for IEBC, NCIC and security agencies to act against leaders accused of incitement signals concern over increasingly heated political rhetoric. However, the church’s declaration of support for Ruto also raises questions about the neutrality of religious institutions in electoral politics. The remarks illustrate how faith leaders could become influential actors in shaping political narratives ahead of 2027.
