Teso North Religious Leaders Rally Behind President Ruto, Defend Church Fundraising Efforts

 

By Joshua Narkash 

Religious leaders from Teso North have expressed strong support for President William Ruto's involvement in church fundraising activities, dismissing opposition from some other clergy. Led by Bishop Michael Kinoo of the Full Gospel Church, the clergy argued that their churches, which operate in less privileged areas, heavily rely on support from well-wishers and political leaders to fund their activities.

The clergy criticized those opposing the practice of harambees (fundraising events) in churches, claiming that the critics often come from congregations with modern infrastructure and self-sustaining resources. According to the religious leaders, these churches are able to support their operations without external help, unlike those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas like Teso North, where 90% of congregants live in abject poverty.

“Our churches are in dire need. Many have been affected by flooding, and congregants barely have enough to sustain their families, let alone contribute to church development,” said Bishop Kinoo. “Without support from well-wishers, including political leaders, it would be impossible to run our church activities. In Teso North, our members struggle to make ends meet.”

The clergy’s remarks come amid ongoing debates on the role of political figures in church activities, with some religious leaders advocating for the separation of church and politics. However, the Teso North religious leaders emphasized that, without the financial support generated from events like harambees, their churches would remain in poor conditions, severely limiting their ability to spread the gospel.

Plans were also revealed during the meeting for a major harambee to be held for all churches in the Teso region, with President Ruto set to attend as the chief guest. The event aims to raise substantial funds for the region’s churches, many of which are struggling to recover from the impact of flooding and other economic hardships.

“Our churches are struggling, and we cannot ignore the reality that many of our congregants need assistance. We welcome the support of our political leaders, including President Ruto, to help sustain the work of spreading the gospel,” Bishop Kinoo added.

The upcoming harambee is expected to be a significant event, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by churches in economically disadvantaged areas while also highlighting the role of political leaders in supporting local religious institutions.

April 02, 2025