President William Ruto declared the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) as the official church of the government in a bold and controversial move.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 17, 2025, during a Holy Oil celebration at the AIPCA church in Meru County, where Ruto praised the church’s historical role and spiritual alignment with his administration.
The declaration comes amid an intensifying national debate on the intersection of faith and governance in Kenya.
As critics question the growing influence of religion in state affairs, Ruto’s remarks appear aimed at solidifying a deeply spiritual political base.
Here are four key reasons behind his unprecedented move:
1. AIPCA’s Role in Kenya’s Independence Struggle
Ruto framed the church’s recognition as a historical debt owed to an institution that played a central role in resisting colonial rule.
He credited AIPCA with standing alongside freedom fighters during Kenya’s liberation journey, saying it was unmatched in its contribution to independence.
“There is no other church that fought for our freedom more than AIPCA. This is the independence church,” Ruto declared.
By positioning AIPCA as both a religious and nationalist symbol, Ruto is appealing to patriotic sentiment and seeking to elevate the church’s moral authority within the state.
2. Strengthening a Faith-Based Political Identity
Ruto has increasingly leaned into his identity as a devout Christian, often quoting scripture and publicly supporting church-led projects.
On March 9, during a thanksgiving service in Uasin Gishu County, he addressed growing criticism over church donations by politicians, framing such gestures as spiritual warfare.
“There has been a big controversy in this nation about giving to our churches… The gates of hell shall not prevail against Kenya,” he said passionately.
Declaring AIPCA the government’s church aligns with Ruto’s broader strategy of defining Kenya as a God-fearing nation and himself as its anointed leader. It is a message that resonates deeply with his evangelical base.
3. Longstanding Personal Ties with AIPCA
Ruto’s relationship with AIPCA isn’t new. In his remarks, he cited personal friendships and long-standing partnerships with church leaders as a foundation for this declaration.
“I have enjoyed fellowship and friendship with AIPCA for a long time. That friendship has borne fruit, and I stand here today as a testimony of that bond,” Ruto noted.
By rooting his decision in personal history, Ruto deflects claims of political opportunism and instead portrays the move as a natural evolution of mutual trust.
4. Institutionalizing Religion in Governance
Perhaps the most significant implication of Ruto’s declaration is the symbolic merging of faith and state.
He argued that since he is the head of government and AIPCA is the government’s church, his presence at the Holy Oil event was both logical and necessary.
“So, since I am the leader of the government and this is the church of the government, isn’t this where I’m supposed to be?” he asked rhetorically.
Ruto further pledged government support for the construction of a modern AIPCA national headquarters in Nairobi—cementing the church’s stature as a national religious institution.
