Why I'm Heading Back to the Pulpit After Presidential Term - Ruto's

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his intention to return to evangelism after completing his term as Kenya's head of state.

During an address in Bungoma on Sunday, Ruto emphasized that evangelism is his original calling, a vocation he plans to pursue once his presidential duties conclude. According to Ruto, his evangelical background has significantly influenced his political style. He explains that his preference for addressing crowds from elevated positions, such as atop vehicles, stems from his evangelical upbringing. This clarification comes amid criticism from some quarters that Ruto is perpetually in campaign mode. However, the President's explanation provides a different perspective, linking his behaviour to his evangelical roots rather than political strategy.

"I have given a commitment that when I finish my tour of duty as president I will go back to be an evangelist because that is my original calling," he said.

Throughout his political career, Ruto has maintained close ties with the church, often participating in religious events and using church platforms to communicate his messages. During his campaign for the 2022 elections, he frequently attended church services, leveraging these gatherings to connect with voters and share his vision for Kenya. This approach has resonated with many Kenyans, particularly those who share his faith, and has helped solidify his support base among religious communities. The President's evangelical tendencies have also influenced his governance style, often invoking religious rhetoric in his speeches, framing his leadership as a divine mandate.

"I am an evangelist and many people wonder why sometimes I stand in raised places, sometimes on top of the car because when your orientation is an evangelist you always behave like an evangelist even when you are doing other things," he said.

Additionally, Ruto has been a vocal advocate for the church's role in society, consistently emphasizing the importance of faith-based organizations in promoting social cohesion and moral values. Ruto's announcement was made during a church service in Bungoma, where he was warmly received by the congregation. His speech was met with applause and expressions of support from attendees. On June 16, 2024, First Lady Rachel Ruto shared her perspective on how Ruto's government utilized spiritual intervention to address one of the country's most severe droughts in recent history.

Speaking in Uganda, she recounted organizing a National Prayer Day on February 14, 2023, at the behest of what she described as divine instruction. Ruto claimed that this event, which involved fasting and prayer, led to widespread rainfall across Kenya within 30 days.