President William Ruto shared a candid moment on Sunday, revealing his prior assumption regarding opposition leader Raila Odinga’s religious affiliation.
Speaking to congregants during a church service at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, ACK, in Siaya County, the President’s remarks touched upon a topic that has occasionally emerged in public discourse.
A Question of Denomination
During his address, President Ruto openly posed a question to a bishop present at the service, inquiring about the religious identity of “baba,” a widely recognised reference to Raila Odinga.
The President recounted his previous belief, which suggested a different denominational tie for the veteran politician.”Mimi nauliza bishop unajua baba ni wa kanisa gani?” President Ruto was quoted as saying, directly asking the bishop about Odinga’s church.
He then went on to share his personal thought process, indicating his past understanding: “Anglican? Nilikuwa nafikiri ni wa Legio Maria. Umesema ni wa Anglican basi,” he stated.
This translates to him expressing that he previously thought Odinga belonged to the Legio Maria denomination, then questioning if the bishop’s mention of Anglicanism meant Legio Maria members were also considered Anglicans, or if there was a distinction.
Ruto’s Contributions
During the church service in Siaya County, President William Ruto made significant pledges towards the completion of the St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, ACK, which has been under construction for 20 years.
He expressed a strong commitment to seeing the project finished, stating, “This cathedral we must finish it,” and urged collective effort, noting, “You will do your part, and I will do my part, along with your friends.”He emphasised the importance of completing the church, particularly given the prolonged construction period.
In a tangible show of support, President Ruto announced a substantial personal contribution to the cathedral’s construction. He declared, “I will look for shillings 20 million for that church,” committing to secure these funds to aid in the project’s completion.
Furthermore, President Ruto made an additional pledge, this time on behalf of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who he said had sent him greetings to Siaya.
Odinga’s Public Association with Legio Maria
Mr. Odinga has previously been publicly associated with the Legio Maria Church. For instance, reports from online sources in 2021 indicated that Mr. Odinga was photographed wearing Legio Maria vestments during a political event at Makongeni.
Ruto Asks About Raila Odinga’s Church // Facebook
This particular appearance was widely reported as a symbolic gesture marking the onset of his political campaigns and garnered significant media attention.
Such public displays may have contributed to perceptions regarding his ties to the denomination.
by moses sagwe
