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President William Ruto has pushed back against criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, defending his decision to host members of the Akorino Church at State House on Sunday.
Speaking during the Akorino Israel Thanksgiving Service, Ruto insisted that he has full authority over State House and will not be told who to invite. He maintained that the residence is open to all Kenyans and said he would continue engaging different groups despite criticism.
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In a strongly worded response, the President dismissed questions about the event, stressing that the decisions made at State House are his to make. He added that critics would not stop him from welcoming guests.
Ruto also took a swipe at claims that attendees were motivated by personal gain, describing such accusations as “stomach politics” and brushing them off as baseless.
Earlier, Gachagua had accused the President of using the Akorino faithful for political purposes, alleging they had been invited to pray for and “cleanse” him politically. He further criticised those who attended, suggesting they were acting out of self-interest.
The exchange comes amid a series of meetings hosted at State House involving leaders, clergy, and entertainers.
Tensions between the two leaders have been escalating, with another public clash witnessed recently at a funeral in Ol Kalou. During the memorial service for the late MP David Kiaraho, both leaders delivered veiled political messages aimed at the Mt Kenya region.
While addressing mourners, Ruto praised the late MP as a development-oriented leader, contrasting his approach with what he described as politics driven by noise, conflict, and insults.
