Ruto recalls moment he attended Indian service

President William Ruto has reflected on his experience attending an Indian service while serving as Deputy President.

He recalled visiting Uthaipoor, Rajasthan, in 2018, where he encountered a unique blend of customs and religion at a local church led by an Indian pastor.

Ruto described the experience as humbling, noting the community's worship in Hindi and the customary practice of removing shoes, which resonated with Hindu traditions.

"It was humbling and amazing how I saw the community in Uthaipoor worship God in Hindi," he said.

The President spoke on Wednesday during the Diwali Celebrations - The Festival of Lights- at State House.

Ruto emphasised the significance of this intermingling of faiths, stating it was remarkable to witness Hindus in a church setting.

Ruto also shared his invitation to Pastor Mathews to visit Kenya, highlighting the government's support for the church and promoting the idea of religious and cultural diversity.

He encouraged the Asian community to take pride in their place in Kenya. Ruto also assured that the Hindus will get a national holiday to celebrate their ceremonies come next year.

The request for the same had been made the the Indian leadership in the country.

The leadership said this will also benefit citizens from other religious affiliations, as they can celebrate alongside the former.

Ruto reiterated his assurance to Kenyans that his administration will not in any way interfere with the right to religion.

He vowed that the government will “by all means” possible protect the sacred provision of the right to worship by all Kenyans and all religions.

“The preamble of our constitution speaks to our acknowledgment as Kenyans. The supremacy of God of all creations is that we protect the place of religion, and we will protect the right of every Kenyan to worship God in the way they want because we all submit to the living God,” he stated.

Ruto also used the opportunity to call on Kenyans to ignore propaganda being peddled about limitations to religion by some quarters.

The President said the government will protect the place of worship by abiding by the constitution as a “God-fearing nation.”