The Atheists in Kenya Society (AIK) has asked Christians to boycott churches attended by President William Ruto, citing concerns over the state’s alleged failure to protect human dignity following a reported increase in abductions and forced disappearances.
In a press statement dated June 28, Atheists in Kenya President Harrison Mumia linked the boycott appeal to the case of lawyer Ndiangui Kinyagia, who was allegedly abducted on June 21, 2025, during a raid by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers at his home in Kinoo.
Amnesty International has reported the incident as a possible enforced disappearance.
“This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith regarding humanity: that human dignity is derived directly from the belief in man as the apex of creation,” stated Mumia.
“In light of this, we urge all Christians to boycott churches attended by President William Ruto,” he added.
The atheists have argued that Christian doctrines emphasise that human dignity is central, and – as such- Christians should not associate with a government that violates this principle.
The statement urges believers to distance themselves from churches where Ruto worships, stating that doing so aligns them with a regime that disregards the sanctity of human life.
Occupy churches
The statement comes against the background of protests by a section of Kenyans seeking to lock out politicians from church.
In a campaign dubbed “hashtag clean the alter” and Occupy Churches, Gen Z protesters have opposed church fundraisers across the country, forcing organizers to cancel events where politicians were expected to attend.
Also Read: Gen Zs Announce 7 Days of Rage Including Occupy Churches
On November 19, 2024, during a service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, Ruto pledged Ksh 3 million for a priest’s house, gave Ksh 600,000 to the choir, and committed to buying the church a bus.
However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi returned the entire donation, citing the Catholic Church’s policy against the politicization of the pulpit. The move was supported by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
In December 2024, Ruto donated Ksh 5 million to the Anglican Church of Kenya during a function in Bungoma.
NCCK guidelines barring politicians from giving public donations
This again raised public concern, prompting the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in March 2025 to issue guidelines barring politicians from giving public donations, making speeches, or using pulpits for political purposes.
The tensions escalated in March 2025 after Ruto donated Ksh 20 million to Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi.
Also Read: NCCK Urged MPs to Focus on Service Delivery Rather Than Personal Gain
The donation triggered “Occupy Church” protests, led by youth groups accusing Ruto of using churches for political influence.
Demonstrators attempted to storm the church during Sunday service, resulting in clashes with police and several arrests.
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