MP Kimani Ichung'wah during a past event/FILE
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has yet again stressed the need for religious leaders to concentrate on their spiritual duties and steer clear of politics.
Ichung’wah regretted that some clergy members have neglected their role and instead turned into politicians.
He specifically referenced recent clamor by some religious for the release of debt owed to faith-based health facilities by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“When money was being stolen from NHIF, we never heard the protesting about our rights or about that debt,” he said.
“It is now when the new Social Health Authority (SHA) has inherited that debt that we are starting to hear these noises.”
The Kikuyu MP, who was speaking during the burial of former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo at his Bartabwa home in Baringo, said the churches should rethink about their roles and return to that mission.
“I pray and hope that our churches will focus on their true purpose.”
President William Ruto was among the leaders attending the event.
Others present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi, alongside Cabinet Secretaries and elected leaders.
Wetang’ula echoed the sentiment encouraging the clergy to refrain from political involvement to preserve the church’s sanctity as a space for leaders to seek guidance.
He also emphasised about unity in solving the nation’s problems, urging leaders to focus on solutions rather than blaming each other.
“When there is a problem the answer is to look for a solution, not to blame others, because after the blame, the problem will not go...challenges will always be there,” he said.
This, as he urged churches to continue praying for the country.
Several leaders who spoke mourned Cheptumo as a polite, humble and committed to serving his people.
“He nurtured us as young leaders and guided us to be who we are today,” said Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, adding he was hardworking and respectful.
