President William Ruto has pledged to contribute funds to complete a remaining section of the AIPCA Pondo Parish in Nyandarua County that was left unfinished during construction.
Speaking at the church on Sunday, July 14, Ruto commended the church members for their efforts in constructing most of the church and committed to finishing the remaining work.
He instructed Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua to collaborate with the church leadership to determine the costs involved.
Ruto assured them that once the figures were presented to him, he would write a cheque to facilitate the completion of the project.
“You people have tried and the small section that is remaining is mine. Let the DP plan with the priest, do the math and come with the value you give to me, I write the cheque so that you continue with this work,” he said.
Ruto also addressed the issue of banning government officials from participating in harambees (public fundraisers).
He acknowledged the pressure to restrict government officers from contributing to church donations and public fundraisers.
“Things have changed. It has been said that we reduce our speeches in churches, and I agree to allow the clergy to preach to us. There are people who have pushed us too much to stop harambees in church, so we are wondering how the churches will be built,” Ruto said.
However, he stated that the law will be subjected to public participation and asked the public to decide the next step regarding it. Ruto explained that there should be a mechanism allowing government officials to participate in church harambees while respecting religious values.
“The good thing is that the law will be brought back to you during public participation. So, you will decide what we do so that we have the best way forward to stop corruption in church but still contribute to building the church in a way that respects God,” he said.
Ruto Comments on Next Cabinet
Additionally, the head of state explained that he has started a new chapter in government and asked the public to pray as he plans to formulate a new cabinet.
Ruto said he cannot continue borrowing loans to fund the activities and operations of the government.
“I have opened a new chapter, and I will plan well so that I get leaders who will help me achieve the promises I made to you because we want to develop the nation. We cannot continue to be a country that keeps borrowing loans that have almost destroyed our economy,” he said.
Ruto said developing the nation is a collective effort, starting right from the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) going up to his office. He explained that the government cannot achieve its goal without involving the leaders at the grassroots level.
“I want to assure you that we are one team, and we will walk together. The work that you have given us is not possible if it does not start from the bottom and then rises up until it gets to me with the DP,” Ruto stated.
“Like we said, bottom-up starts here from the grassroots. The leaders here will plan and push it to the constituencies, then counties, and then it comes to the national level. We will plan how to move the country forward.”
Also Read: Ruto Bans Govt Officials from Participating in Harambees
State of the Nation
He assured the public that the country is firm, maintaining that he will not allow the nation to be brought down because of chaos and destruction of properties.
“We cannot have a country that is run by chaos and confusion. We must be firm and decisive in making sure that the country moves forward,” he said.
“I have created a special task force to audit these debts: the amount, the purpose they were used for, and how we can prevent the debts from completely ruining our economy. This way, we can have a country that is stable, steady, prosperous, and carries the aspirations of the people of Kenya.”
Also Read: Oscar Sudi Announces Next Move Hours After Ruto’s Ban on Harambees
State Officers Banned from Harambees
During his state of the nation address on July 5, the President said no state officer would be allowed to participate in fundraising activities.
He directed the Attorney General to prepare and submit legislation and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contribution for public, charitable and philanthropic purposes.
Ruto said the ban is part of the government’s efforts to improve equality, transparency and efficiency in serving the people of Kenya.
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