National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet/MATHEWS NDANYI
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet have called for a cordial relationship between the church and government for the unity of Kenyans.
Ichung'wah and Farouk said the church had played a critical role in matters of development and national cohesion and hence there was no need for conflict with the state which serves the same purpose.
Ichung'wah also told off those using social media to abuse a section of leaders who recently met with President Ruto at State House noting that Ruto was free to meet any Kenyan because he is the country’s leader.
“We know young people are doing that and we urge them to respect church leaders. Let them direct the abuses to politicians like me because we are used to abuses,” Ichung'wah said.
He said the church had the role to cultivate national unity and noted that the government was open to constructive criticism.
Farouk said all leaders depend on the church and therefore there was no need for conflict with religious leaders.
“We respect the church because we have to work with them and serve the people of God. We don’t need conflict with the church because it’s of no benefit,” said Farouk.
He praised the church for the role it had also played in the country’s development programmes including education.
“Let’s not compete with the church on small issues and we should pray to God to chase away the devil trying to create divisions,” said Farouk.
They were speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Cheptarwai Catholic Church in Nandi where area woman representative Cynthia Muge was also present.
Both of them defended President Ruto and the government's performance on development matters in the country.
The Kikuyu MP said because of subsidies on fertilizer the country had now harvested a surplus of more than 95 million bags of maize this year.
Ichung'wah said the sugar sector had also stabilized and the country was now able to export sugar to neighbouring countries.
“All these achievements are enabling Kenyans to have money in their pockets just as we had promised during the campaigns,” Ichung'wah.
He also said the politics of tribalism was unacceptable in the country.
The two also carried out an extensive campaign urging residents to join SHA.
“We are working with other parties like ODM and all of us had promised issues like good healthcare. That’s why we are pushing to have everyone register with SHA so that as Kenyans we all enjoy quality healthcare,” said Ichung'wah.
He said SHA would ensure all Kenyans regardless of their status enjoy quality care in hospitals.
“We are calling it Taifa Care because we have a government that cares for all Kenyans,” said Ichung'wah.
Farouk also urged the government to look into the possibility of revising maize prices at the NCPB for the benefit of farmers.
“Our farmers have ensured that we have enough food in the country and the government should also ensure they benefit from their farming activities,” said Farouk.
He also urged residents to register with SHA and avoid politicizing healthcare issues.
Farouk urged Kenyans to reject those perpetrating tribalism noting that all Kenyans deserve equal opportunities to work or operate anywhere in the country.
The Nandi Woman representative also urged residents to ensure they register with SHA and shun those used to undermining government programmes.
“SHA is a noble idea and let’s all embrace it and register to benefit,” said Muge.
She said President Ruto’s government was stable and had also stabilized the country’s economy.