Church leaders endorse Dr. Kigame's presidential bid in Nakuru meeting

In a significant gathering of pastors and church leaders at The Lord’s Sanctuary, Kirengero, Dr. Reuben Kigame, who had been invited to speak with the pastors, received a powerful endorsement by Apostle Jesse Karanja for his 2027 presidential bid. 

Speaking during the prayer meeting, which brought together church leaders from Bahati and Subukia constituencies, Apostle Jesse Karanja, the Head of Mission at Mizpah House of Prayer, emphasized the need for the Church to vote Dr. Kigame in the coming elections as one of their own. He cited Proverbs 29:2, which states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." This endorsement underscores the importance of supporting leaders who share the values of the church. The one-day prayer meeting, led by Apostle Jesse Karanja, Pastor Ronald Ngala, and Pastor Alex Waweru, highlighted the intersection of faith and politics in their communities.

While addressing the pastors, Dr. Kigame spoke about resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing from his personal experiences with cultural, academic, and political challenges, including his blocked presidential bid by the IEBC in 2022. He went ahead to cite examples of presidents such as Franklin D Roosevelt who was diagnosed with polio while in office. Former Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid (Commonly known as Gus Dur), who, due to a visual impairment caused by glaucoma, was blind in the left eye and partially blind in his right eye. 

“President Mwai Kibaki was also sworn in as the third president of Kenya while on a wheelchair, so I will not be the first president with disability,” said Dr.Kigame

This historical precedent, Dr. Kigame argued, demonstrates that individuals with disabilities can hold high office and lead effectively. This underscores his determination and capability to lead despite the challenges posed by his disability. 

Dr. Kigame also emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making and spirit-led living among church leaders. He referenced Galatians 5:16, which states, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." This biblical passage served as a foundation for his message, encouraging spiritual guidance in both personal and public spheres.

“By seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, leaders can navigate complex challenges and make decisions that align with their values and principles. This approach can also help leaders stay grounded and focused on their goals, even in the face of adversity,” he said.

The meeting also promoted Mitume SACCO, a savings cooperative designed for church leaders, which aims to provide financial support and empowerment. Pastors were encouraged to register and take advantage of the benefits, including financial empowerment, holistic financial solutions, and community building.