The clergy in Kisumu has appealed to Kenyans to exercise patience with President William Ruto, noting that the head of state has made notable progress in his first three years in office.
Speaking to The Kenyan Tabloid on Tuesday, Cardinal Dr. Moses Ayoma of Nomiya Church in Kisumu said Ruto’s administration has made significant strides despite a shaky start.
“We are now having three years since President William Ruto was elected, but as clergy I must say Ruto has tried. He did not start well, but he has tried, and I am calling upon Kenyans to be patient with him. Programs like affordable housing have transformed our urban areas,” Ayoma said.
The bishop, however, urged the government to stop deductions from employees’ salaries once the affordable housing program is complete, arguing that the levy has placed undue pressure on the middle class.
“The middle class are contributing to affordable housing which they are not sure they will benefit from. These deductions have stressed many households,” he observed.
On behalf of Nomiya Church, Ayoma also paid tribute to the late former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno, hailing him as a visionary leader who championed economic empowerment for the Luo community.
“He was a great man who brought Thabiti Bank, which enabled our people to access affordable loans and develop themselves. He was a peace lover, a great Kenyan, and we are sorry to the family for this loss,” Ayoma stated.
Turning to the political landscape, the bishop expressed concern over heightened tensions following the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of making reckless remarks that could destabilize the country.
“As a church, we are not pleased with the rising political temperatures. Two years is still a long time; Ruto should be given adequate space to deliver his mandate. Premature politics will not help Kenyans gauge him fairly in the next election,” he cautioned.
Ayoma further urged opposition leaders to stop politicizing the compensation of victims of past protests, stressing that many affected families are struggling with medical bills and daily survival.
“Compensation was one of the best ideas the president had. Some families of victims cannot even afford food, while others are weighed down by medical expenses. This process should not be subjected to bureaucracy,” he emphasized.
