As the nation grapples with economic hardship and a surge in living costs, Kenyans are seeking solace in various avenues, including places of worship. On October 1st, President William Ruto chose to commence his month within the confines of a church, and this sacred gathering took place at Deliverance Church in Langata, Nairobi. Here, the country’s leader joined fellow citizens in a time of worship and reflection.
Anticipation hung in the air as the congregation awaited a message of hope from the pulpit. However, what unfolded took many by surprise. Instead of focusing on spiritual matters, the clergyman leading the service turned his sermon towards President Ruto and his style of leadership, drawing parallels from the Book of Daniel. The pastor’s message seemed to cast a shadow on Ruto’s leadership, a style that many Kenyans have deemed as unsympathetic, particularly in light of the increased taxation on essential commodities imposed during his tenure.
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The pastor did not shy away from addressing the contentious issue of taxation in his sermon. He cautioned Kenyans that the prevailing economic situation might persist, urging them not to interfere with President Ruto’s leadership. To gauge the congregation’s agreement with his sermon, the pastor asked them to say “Amen.” To the astonishment of all present, including President Ruto and his administration, the church fell silent. It appeared that no one was in agreement with the pastor’s assertion, and this silence spoke volumes.
President Ruto’s own silence during this moment was significant. It signaled that he, too, might be discontent with the country’s current trajectory, including the tax policies enacted during his leadership.
As the pastor sensed the church’s reluctance to join him in endorsing his views on taxation, he shifted his focus to a different argument. He claimed that citizens of the United States face heavy taxation from their government, implying that Kenyans should not complain excessively about taxes. However, the congregation remained perplexed, wondering how the pastor, who resides in Kenya, could assert knowledge about U.S. tax policies. To address these questions, the pastor explained that he had relatives in the U.S., a response that only partially satisfied the congregation’s curiosity.
The issue of taxes in Kenya has sparked controversy, with some Kenyans directing blame at President Ruto for imposing heavy taxes on virtually every commodity. Critics argue that the President has been unresponsive to the cries of his citizens, particularly regarding the skyrocketing fuel prices resulting from increased taxes.
Unlike his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, who promptly addressed public concerns during his tenure, President Ruto has chosen to focus on issues such as affordable housing that many Kenyans find disconnected from their pressing everyday struggles. For instance, when faced with a fuel price increase, Uhuru Kenyatta swiftly called a press conference and took measures to alleviate the burden, including reducing excessive taxes on fuel. President Ruto, however, has remained conspicuously silent on this matter, leaving Kenyans yearning for relief from the escalating cost of living.
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