In brief
President William Ruto, who rode to power on a wave of evangelical support, now finds himself at odds with church leaders as they criticize his government's tax policies and corruption. Once nicknamed "David," Ruto is now likened to a biblical tax collector after church officials openly rebuke his leadership style and demand accountability.
Kenyan President William Ruto, once seen as the embodiment of evangelical values, is experiencing a significant backlash from church leaders across the country. Having won the presidency two years ago with strong Christian backing, Ruto is now being compared to the greedy biblical tax collector after implementing controversial tax hikes, prompting increasing discontent among the populace.Evangelicals who once hailed him as a 'David', a shepherd-turned-king, have started to view him negatively. The young Kenyans who spearheaded anti-tax protests this past June have expressed disdain towards the churches for their connections with politicians, pushing many clergy to publicly criticize Ruto. The president's recent tax policies include increased salary taxes and new levies, sparking dissatisfaction among citizens desperate for improved public services.Prominent church figures, including Catholic bishops and evangelical leaders, are now openly decrying Ruto's actions, citing issues like corruption, rising living costs, and unfulfilled promises. Their pointed critiques, including a rejection of Ruto's $40,000 donation on ethical grounds, highlight the shifting relationship between the church and state.As this friction simmers, even Muslim leaders have joined the chorus demanding accountability. Ruto's opponents are capitalizing on this disconnect, which raises questions about his political future. While the clergy initially supported him for his conservative stance on social issues, their growing discontent may jeopardize his re-election bid.As Ruto navigates this turbulent landscape where he appears increasingly isolated, he must find ways to reconnect with the religious community that played a crucial role in his ascent to power, or risk being unseated in the upcoming elections.
