Opposition Leaders Tell Ruto to Hear the Church, Compare His Leadership to Biblical Pharaoh

Opposition leaders have once again challenged President William Ruto, accusing him of ignoring the concerns raised by the Church about how the country is being governed. 

They argued that when religious leaders speak, they speak for the ordinary citizens who are feeling the impact of government decisions every day.

The remarks were made during the ordination ceremony of Rev. Dorcas Rigathi at her Wamunyoro home in Nyeri.

Even though the event was meant to focus on prayer and not politics, several opposition leaders used the opportunity to address what they described as a growing disconnect between State House and the people.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was among the first leaders to raise concern. 

He said the recent bold statements by Anglican and Catholic bishops show that the Church is worried about the direction the country is taking.

According to Kalonzo, President Ruto risks behaving like the Pharaoh of the Bible, who refused to listen to the cries of the Israelites despite their suffering.

“I saw the message from the Anglican Bishop of Kisumu. I also saw the Catholic bishops raising their voice,” Kalonzo said. 

“When I hear them speak, I am reminded of the stubbornness of Pharaoh who refused to let the people of Israel leave captivity.”

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments. 

He urged the President to pay attention to the clergy because they represent the frustrations, hopes and dreams of many Kenyans who feel unheard.

“Please listen to the clergy,” Matiang’i said. 

“They speak on behalf of the people. What they are saying reflects what Kenyans want and what Kenyans are going through.”

Other leaders who attended the event accused President Ruto of running the country with unnecessary force and ignoring the impact of his policies on daily life. 

They argued that the presidency requires humility, respect and consultation.

Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa reminded leaders that holding the highest office in the country comes with responsibility.

“When you are called to serve as President, you must carry that office with dignity,” he said. 

“You must lead with honor and sensitivity to the lives of the people you govern.”

Matiang’i added that history has shown what happens when leaders refuse to listen to spiritual voices. 

According to him, the Church acts as the country’s moral compass and should never be sidelined.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti also appealed for divine intervention, saying Kenyans need prayers now more than ever. 

She said the situation had become so difficult that the country does not need angels sent on their behalf — but God Himself to intervene.

“Kanisa mtuombee,” she said in Kiswahili. 

“We need your prayers. At this point, we don’t want God to send angels. We want Him to come Himself.”

The event celebrated Rev. Dorcas Rigathi for her continued support of widows, struggling boys and vulnerable families. 

Many leaders praised her for her resilience even during the time her husband, Rigathi Gachagua, was being pushed out of office.

Gachagua, now a key opposition figure, used the event to thank those who stood with his family during difficult times. 

He said they remain grateful and would not hesitate to return that kindness in the future.

“We are grateful people,” Gachagua said. 

“Those who were good to us should know that if they ever need our kindness someday, we will be there.”