Bishop Maponga Joshua Mara-Rah III has issued a bold message to Kenyan President William Ruto, calling on him to prioritize industrial development over religious symbolism in national policy.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Maponga addressed President Ruto directly.
“Honorable President Ruto, we advise you to consider building a factory instead of a church. In church, people pray for jobs, but in a factory, they will be working.”
He emphasized that leadership must remain inclusive and secular in its developmental agenda.
“A good leader shows no favoritism to one religion or faith but leads all citizens equally.”
Maponga’s remarks come amid rising debate over the Kenyan government’s close alignment with evangelical Christian groups, with President Ruto often citing faith in public speeches and events.
“By investing in factories, you can create jobs and stimulate economic growth across Kenya from Mombasa to Serengeti, Kirinyaga to Meru, and everywhere in between,” Maponga continued.
The Zimbabwean-born philosopher and former Seventh-Day Adventist pastor has become a continental voice for Afrocentric development, urging African governments to focus on tangible economic empowerment rather than spiritual dependency.
“It’s time to industrialize Africa, not Christianize it. Keep your faith private, and let your love for the whole nation be public.”
