In a strong statement shared on social media on Monday, Wamae questioned why churches continue to welcome large donations from political leaders without demanding accountability. She argued that this trend is slowly eroding the moral authority of religious institutions that are expected to stand for truth and justice.
Wamae’s remarks came shortly after a weekend church service in Kiambu County attended by President William Ruto.
During the service at an African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) congregation, the President announced a pledge of Sh50 million to support the completion of a stalled church construction project, alongside other financial promises.
While the donation was met with cheers inside the church, it sparked intense debate online and among political leaders. Critics questioned whether such large pledges, made in public religious spaces, blur the line between worship and politics.
Reacting to the incident, Wamae argued that churches risk becoming platforms where political interests are promoted in exchange for money. She said that places of worship should not serve as meeting points where public resources are turned into political goodwill.
According to her, the pulpit should remain a space for spiritual guidance and moral correction, not a stage for political endorsement. She warned that when churches accept questionable funds, they weaken their ability to speak against corruption and injustice in society.
Her comments echoed concerns raised by former Mukurweini Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando, who also criticised the church service. Kabando accused the presiding bishop of turning the worship gathering into a political rally by openly declaring support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
The bishop had told the congregation that leaders from the Mount Kenya region had decided to back the President in the next election, a statement that drew applause from some worshippers but angered critics outside the church.
Kabando argued that such declarations were inappropriate and misrepresented both the church and the people of the region. He reminded Kenyans that AIPCA has a long and respected history that goes beyond politics.
He noted that the church was founded in the 1920s as part of an African-led spiritual movement that resisted colonial control.
While the donation was met with cheers inside the church, it sparked intense debate online and among political leaders. Critics questioned whether such large pledges, made in public religious spaces, blur the line between worship and politics.
Reacting to the incident, Wamae argued that churches risk becoming platforms where political interests are promoted in exchange for money. She said that places of worship should not serve as meeting points where public resources are turned into political goodwill.
According to her, the pulpit should remain a space for spiritual guidance and moral correction, not a stage for political endorsement. She warned that when churches accept questionable funds, they weaken their ability to speak against corruption and injustice in society.
Her comments echoed concerns raised by former Mukurweini Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando, who also criticised the church service. Kabando accused the presiding bishop of turning the worship gathering into a political rally by openly declaring support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
The bishop had told the congregation that leaders from the Mount Kenya region had decided to back the President in the next election, a statement that drew applause from some worshippers but angered critics outside the church.
Kabando argued that such declarations were inappropriate and misrepresented both the church and the people of the region. He reminded Kenyans that AIPCA has a long and respected history that goes beyond politics.
He noted that the church was founded in the 1920s as part of an African-led spiritual movement that resisted colonial control.
According to him, AIPCA played an important role during Kenya’s struggle for independence and was closely linked to freedom fighters and institutions that supported the liberation movement.
Because of this history, Kabando said, the church should be cautious about aligning itself with any political side. He argued that endorsing political leaders from the pulpit undermines the values the church was built on and risks dividing congregations along political lines.
Kabando further criticised what he described as a growing culture of clergy who use religion for personal gain.
Because of this history, Kabando said, the church should be cautious about aligning itself with any political side. He argued that endorsing political leaders from the pulpit undermines the values the church was built on and risks dividing congregations along political lines.
Kabando further criticised what he described as a growing culture of clergy who use religion for personal gain.
He warned that mixing money, politics and faith damages public trust and turns worship into a transaction rather than a spiritual experience.
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