The incident occurred at the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship All Nations Gospel Church (PEFA) in Gikomba, an area known for its vibrant commercial activity and heightened political engagement.
The service had attracted a large congregation comprising worshippers, political supporters, and local leaders.
As the Head of State addressed the congregation from the pulpit, chants rose from parts of the audience, briefly drowning out his remarks and shifting the atmosphere from a religious service to a politically charged moment.
As the Head of State addressed the congregation from the pulpit, chants rose from parts of the audience, briefly drowning out his remarks and shifting the atmosphere from a religious service to a politically charged moment.
President Ruto responded calmly, choosing to appeal directly to the congregation rather than confront the interruption.
Using Kiswahili, he asked those present to settle down and listen, saying, “Nyinyi sikizeni,” as he prepared to continue with his address.
He also used phrases such as “Ngojeni niwaambie,” urging patience and order while reminding the crowd of the importance of maintaining decorum, particularly in a place of worship.
In his response, the President drew on biblical teachings, linking faith with discipline and respect. He told congregants that while political expression is part of democratic life, church services should also remain spaces for reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation.
Ruto emphasised that religious gatherings should not be overtaken entirely by political slogans, even as leaders engage with citizens on national issues.
He also used phrases such as “Ngojeni niwaambie,” urging patience and order while reminding the crowd of the importance of maintaining decorum, particularly in a place of worship.
In his response, the President drew on biblical teachings, linking faith with discipline and respect. He told congregants that while political expression is part of democratic life, church services should also remain spaces for reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation.
Ruto emphasised that religious gatherings should not be overtaken entirely by political slogans, even as leaders engage with citizens on national issues.
His remarks appeared aimed at restoring focus to the purpose of the service while acknowledging the political realities shaping public discourse.
Following his appeal, the chants subsided, allowing the President to resume his speech without further interruption. The service proceeded normally thereafter, with congregants listening attentively as he concluded his remarks.
Observers noted that the incident reflects a broader trend in Kenya’s political landscape, where political expression increasingly spills into religious, social, and community spaces.
Following his appeal, the chants subsided, allowing the President to resume his speech without further interruption. The service proceeded normally thereafter, with congregants listening attentively as he concluded his remarks.
Observers noted that the incident reflects a broader trend in Kenya’s political landscape, where political expression increasingly spills into religious, social, and community spaces.
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, leaders have continued to face mixed reactions from crowds at public events, including churches.
In recent months, religious gatherings have become prominent platforms for political messaging, with leaders using church services to address economic challenges, governance issues, and national unity.
In recent months, religious gatherings have become prominent platforms for political messaging, with leaders using church services to address economic challenges, governance issues, and national unity.
At the same time, congregants and supporters often seize such moments to express approval or dissent through chants and slogans.
Political analysts say the Gikomba incident highlights the delicate balance leaders must strike when addressing faith-based audiences in a politically charged environment.
Political analysts say the Gikomba incident highlights the delicate balance leaders must strike when addressing faith-based audiences in a politically charged environment.
While churches offer an opportunity to connect with large and diverse groups, they also present challenges when political enthusiasm disrupts religious proceedings.
The incident was widely shared on social media after a video of the moment was posted on President Ruto’s official Facebook page, drawing varied reactions from Kenyans.
The incident was widely shared on social media after a video of the moment was posted on President Ruto’s official Facebook page, drawing varied reactions from Kenyans.
Some praised the President’s calm response, while others raised concerns about the increasing politicisation of religious spaces.
Despite the brief disruption, President Ruto continued engaging with congregants and leaders after the service, reinforcing his message without further incidents.
The event added to a growing list of public moments illustrating how Kenya’s political temperature is gradually rising as the next election cycle approaches.
Despite the brief disruption, President Ruto continued engaging with congregants and leaders after the service, reinforcing his message without further incidents.
The event added to a growing list of public moments illustrating how Kenya’s political temperature is gradually rising as the next election cycle approaches.
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