On Sunday, June 9, the conversation about leaders being chosen by God dominated social media throughout the day. This was sparked by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who had accompanied President William Ruto during a church service at the Church of Christ in Africa (CCA) in Makadara Constituency.
She proclaimed that President Ruto ascended to the presidency because God chose him.
“I want to thank Ruto for being the chosen one. Leaders are chosen by God, and we should honor that. Kenyans need to know that leadership is not taken. Ruto is the chosen one to lead this country,” Passaris stated.
President William Ruto, who also spoke during the church service, echoed Passaris’s sentiments, asserting that God had allowed him to lead Kenya and had tasked him with spearheading affordable housing and universal health coverage.
“God has allowed me to lead Kenya. He has assigned me to transform this nation, and I will see that assignment through. Affordable housing and universal health coverage have not been addressed for 30 years. This is the time to do it, and I am the person to do it,” said President Ruto.
Passaris Says Ruto Was picked by God
However, Passaris’s comments ignited mixed reactions, with many netizens disagreeing with her opinion. Atheists in Kenya condemned her remarks, labeling them as bad theology.
“The idea that leaders are chosen by God is not just bad theology—it’s a dangerous lie,” said Harrison Mumia, the President of Atheists in Kenya.
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He argued that this rhetoric reflects a mindset of individuals who seek control rather than true leadership.
“It’s the language of those who don’t want to answer to voters or be held accountable for their failures. It is a direct assault on the very foundations of our democracy.”
Nairobi Woman Rep’s Remarks Ignite Public Discourse
Mumia further stated that if citizens begin to accept the notion that our leaders are divinely chosen, then elections would become meaningless.
“If rulers are appointed by God, then dissent becomes heresy. Once we allow that idea to take hold, we risk abandoning the principles enshrined in our Constitution that keep us free,” he warned.
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Other individuals also weighed in on the debate. Former Nyamira Senator Okong’o Mong’are expressed skepticism regarding Passaris’s claim.
“God may allow kings to rise, but He also demands justice, humility, and service (Micah 6:8). Divine appointment does not exempt one from accountability. As St. Augustine said, ‘An unjust ruler is no better than a band of robbers.’ Performance, not proclamations, proves divine favor—and God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7).”
Another user, Crazy Jay, commented, “You all like quoting the Bible but ignore the parts where those leaders went against God’s will. You will all pay. He is a merciful God but also a ruthless one. This pride with our president resembles what David experienced, and God punished him mercilessly.”
Nelson Mbaye added, “In Kenya, there are no leaders, only politicians. Sometimes I wonder what happens to people before and after they are elected.”
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