‘I walk by faith, not sight’: Ruto urges churches to support his development agenda

President William Ruto has appealed to churches to support his development agenda.

While maintaining that no amount of criticism or attacks from opposition will deter his zeal to make Kenya a first-class state, Ruto told the naysayers that development projects such as affordable housing, construction of markets and the country’s economic stability will vindicate him. 

Fresh from his working tour in the Coastal region, President Ruto’s first engagement upon return to the capital city was the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) 50th anniversary celebrations where hundreds of church leaders had gathered.

The Head of State, who marks three years in office, used the occasion to put his case before the men of cloth. He said he has lived up to the promises despite facing opposition.

“You know sometimes I get into trouble with Kenyans because I walk by faith, many walk by sight. They say we have not seen, you’re lying. So that is the disconnect I do have because it takes time for people to see. Those who did not see now can see. You cannot hide the houses anymore, the markets anymore,” said President Ruto.

The President, who confessed to having a difficult time steering the country out of a debt burden inherited from the previous government, told the church that he is committed to the course of transforming Kenya even if it means losing popularity.

“We have wasted a lot of time making peace with mediocrity, working with the average when God wants us to be excellent. In our lifetime it is possible to move this country from the third world of today to first world. I say this and some people think I am mad. I am not mad,” said President Ruto.

He appealed to church leaders to back him with a promise not to lose focus.

“I want to ask you as leaders, as Christian leaders, to work with us so that we can get this country to the next level. I’m confident about the future of this nation. We have people who don’t believe in our nation, they don’t believe in our ability, they speak ill about our nation,” said President Ruto.

While outlining the steps taken to improve health, agricultural and education sectors, President Ruto said his focus is on ensuring the country is self-sufficient in the next 10 years through savings and a cut on external borrowing.