Atheists Reprimand Rachel Ruto

The Atheists in Kenya Society (AIKS) has faulted First Lady Rachel Ruto for hosting clergymen from other countries and religious groups at the State House in Nairobi.

In a statement by the group's president, Harrison Mumia, AIKS accused Mama Rachel of misusing the official residence of the President of the Republic of Kenya.

Mumia warned her that such actions were against the Constitution of Kenya by propagating foreign beliefs across the country. She hosted prophet Victor Kusi Boateng from Ghana and Prophet Dr Ian Ndlovu on Wednesday, September 14.

Atheists in Kenya Society (AIKS) president, Harrison Mumia. /THE STAR

The atheists further expressed fear that if the First Lady continued in the same manner, they would feel left out of the new administration.

"It is unacceptable for First Lady Rachel Ruto to host Prophet Dr Ian Ndlovu and Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng at State House, Nairobi, barely a day after the inauguration of President William Ruto

"We would like to caution her to desist from these flagrant abuses of religious freedom. Kenya comprises citizens who hold different religious beliefs including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists. First Lady Rachel Ruto should not assume that Christianity is the only religion in Kenya," read the statement in part.

Mumia advised her to only use the State House for official functions and not for religious functions.

"The State House, which is the official residence of the President, should be used for state functions only, and not religious functions. 

"This goes against Articles 8 and 32 of our Constitution," read the statement in part.

The First Lady has attributed prayers to President Ruto's success in the journey to State House and that she has been praying for Kenya, especially during natural calamities and disasters.

In his own capacity as a staunch Christian, Ruto has never shied away from practising and sharing his faith with the masses with Bible quotes on his social media handles and hosting a chapel at the Deputy President's official residence where he prayed with his family, friends and allies.

"Before the nation and the world today, I stand with great humility and profound joy, as a living testimony, that with faith in God, willingness to work hard and commit to a vision, dreams can become reality in the fullness of time," said the President in his inaugural speech.

AIKS had previously called upon Ruto to promote secular beliefs and freedom of religion according to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and that it will oppose attempts to privilege religious organizations in the country.

Two years ago, AIKS collided with Ruto after a statement from the DP during his visit to the Anglican Church of Kenya in Khwisero read “I want to say for the avoidance of doubt that Kenya is a country of prayer and not reggae and magicians. We will stop this reggae.”

He was referring to Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s slogan ‘Nobody can stop reggae’ that became popular during rallies for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2020.

Zabron Choir, famous for the songs Mkono wa Bwana and Sweetie Sweetie, with President Ruto and his wife, Rachel Ruto. /WILLIAM RUTO