A war of words has emerged among religious leaders in Uasin Gishu County following remarks by Nominated MP Emeritus Bishop Dr Jackson Kosgei concerning politicians seeking photo and video opportunities alongside President William Ruto, with Bishop Wilson Kurui coming out strongly in defence of Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.

Bishop Kurui, of Jesus Love Ministry and Patron of Uasin Gishu Gospel Ministers, has criticised Bishop Kosgei over his remarks, arguing that Sudi should not be condemned for maintaining a close relationship with the Head of State or positioning himself near the President during public engagements.

Kurui said he was unhappy with Kosgei's comments, which appeared to target political leaders who frequently seek to be seen alongside President Ruto during public functions.

He maintained that Sudi's relationship with the President should not be interpreted as insecurity or desperation for political recognition, arguing instead that the Kapseret legislator has demonstrated his ability to work closely with the national government for the benefit of his constituents.

According to Kurui, Sudi has been actively involved in development initiatives in Kapseret Constituency, particularly in road infrastructure, bursary programmes and economic empowerment activities aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents.

He argued that the MP's closeness to President Ruto could translate into more development opportunities for the people of Kapseret, noting that maintaining a good working relationship with the Head of State should not be discouraged.

"If you see President Ruto using him in protocol, it shows that the President loves him and is very close to him. As people of Kapseret, we will get more," Kurui said.

The bishop questioned why Kosgei would criticise Sudi over his positioning during presidential engagements, arguing that the MP's conduct should not automatically be viewed as inappropriate simply because he appears alongside the President.

He further challenged Kosgei to explain why the State Controller, who is responsible for coordinating presidential protocol, had not intervened if Sudi was committing any breach of official protocol.

Kurui maintained that presidential functions are governed by established protocol procedures and that any concerns regarding the conduct of leaders during such engagements should be addressed through the relevant official channels rather than public criticism.

He questioned why the criticism was being directed at Sudi when President Ruto himself had not publicly raised any objection to the MP's presence or conduct during their engagements.

The cleric also accused Kosgei of being jealous of Sudi's political relationship with the President, arguing that leaders should not turn personal differences or disagreements into public attacks against others.

Kurui insisted that Sudi should remain focused on his responsibilities and continue delivering development projects instead of allowing criticism to distract him from serving his constituents.

"Oscar Sudi should not be worried. He should continue doing his work," he said.

KURUI TELLS KOSGEI TO STICK TO GOSPEL

Beyond defending the Kapseret MP, Kurui also questioned the involvement of religious leaders in political controversies, urging Bishop Kosgei to concentrate on his religious responsibilities and avoid unnecessary political confrontations.

The Jesus Love Ministry leader maintained that the church has an important responsibility in society, particularly in promoting unity, peace, moral values and spiritual guidance among Kenyans.

He argued that religious leaders should use their positions to preach the Gospel and guide communities rather than engage in disputes that could create divisions among political leaders and their supporters.

"Bishop should preach the Gospel and avoid politics," Kurui said.

His remarks come amid growing debate over the role of religious leaders in Kenya's political affairs, particularly as church figures increasingly find themselves commenting on the conduct of elected leaders and their relationships with the national government.

KOSGEI'S REMARKS SPARK POLITICAL REACTION

The controversy follows comments by Nominated MP Emeritus Bishop Dr Jackson Kosgei, who appeared to take an indirect swipe at Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and other political leaders over their conduct during presidential engagements.

Kosgei questioned politicians who appear overly eager to secure photo and video opportunities alongside President William Ruto, suggesting that some leaders are more interested in demonstrating their closeness to power than focusing on their responsibilities.

The nominated MP described such behaviour as a sign of insecurity and desperation among politicians seeking public recognition through their association with the Head of State.

His remarks were interpreted by sections of the public and political observers as an indirect criticism of Sudi, who is widely known for his close political association with President Ruto.

Kosgei also raised concerns about political leaders allegedly hiring hecklers to disrupt fellow politicians during presidential visits, warning against conduct that undermines political decorum and healthy competition among leaders.

Although the comments did not directly name Sudi, the Kapseret MP became the focus of subsequent political discussion, particularly among his supporters who viewed the remarks as an attempt to undermine his relationship with the President.

DEBATE OVER PRESIDENTIAL ACCESS AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE

The exchange has brought renewed attention to the politics surrounding presidential access, protocol and the influence enjoyed by leaders who maintain close working relationships with the Head of State.

For some political supporters, the presence of elected leaders alongside the President during public engagements is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the national government and lobby for development projects in their constituencies.

Others, however, have raised questions about the importance some politicians attach to public visibility and their positioning during presidential functions.

Kurui's intervention places him firmly on the side of Sudi, arguing that the MP's relationship with President Ruto should be appreciated in the context of development delivery rather than criticised as an attempt to seek political attention.

He maintains that residents of Kapseret stand to benefit when their elected representative enjoys a good working relationship with the national leadership.

The latest exchange also highlights the growing differences among religious leaders over how they should engage with political affairs, with some choosing to openly defend political leaders while others use their platforms to question political conduct.

As reactions to Kosgei's remarks continue, the debate is likely to keep political and religious circles in Uasin Gishu talking about the relationship between church leadership, presidential protocol and the responsibilities of elected representatives.

At the centre of the controversy is a broader question of whether politicians' visibility and closeness to the President should be viewed as political ambition or as an avenue for strengthening government engagement and attracting development opportunities to their constituencies.