Reverend Teresa Wairimu Clashes with Kenya Kwanza Government in Heated Church Sermon
Key takeaways
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- Reverend Teresa Wairimu Kinyanjui is the Founder and Director of Faith Evangelistic Ministry (FEM), based in Nairobi, Kenya.
- The influential church leader is closely linked to the State House intercessors group, a religious sect that frequently holds prayers at the premises.
- Rev. Teresa was a key supporter of William Ruto during the lead-up to the 2022 General Elections, where she, along with other religious leaders, mobilized efforts for Ruto’s presidential victory.
- The FEM leader recently announced that she has withdrawn her support following intense problems in the ruling coalition, which resulted in the removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office.
Also read: Senator Tabitha Karanja Under Fire for Nyayo Era Comment During Gachagua’s Impeachment
Reverend Wairimu calls out Kenya Kwanza for shameful in-fighting
A visibly angered Teresia Wairimu took to the pulpit on Sunday to deliver a sharp critique of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
According to the influential preacher, Kenya Kwanza had become a government of fights making her embarrassed as a voter.
Rev. Teresa addressed her congregation in the context of the ongoing removal of Hon. Gachagua as Deputy President.
“I’m sure most of us who were watching television were embarrassed, extremely embarrassed. I wish every member of parliament could watch today’s message. Because all the while till now I have always been thinking that this government is the government of God because it’s the one we voted for. To our embarrassment, it is a government of fights,” said Rev. Wairimu.
The past two weeks have been dotted with heavy political activity as Kenyans followed the dramatic removal from office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Following his successful impeachment, Mr. Gachagua was swiftly replaced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, whose nomination as DP was passed in parliament without objections.
In a last-ditch effort to save his job, Gachagua through his lawyers rushed to court to block a possible swearing-in and installation of Professor Kindiki as Deputy President.
Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings have heightened emotions, especially among people residing in Central Kenya.
Popular as Watu was Murima (People of the mountain), a section of Mt. Kenya residents have expressed displeasure at the humiliating removal of their leader from office.
According to them, Mr. Gachagua has been not only deceived but also mistreated by a government he struggled to build.
Rev. Teresia’s remarks at church echoed the sentiments of many residents. “You arm yourselves without giving us prior notice. We will also arm ourselves with prayers,” warned the reverend, threatening to remove the current regime in the next election.
Rev. Wairimu criticizes the political class for their misplaced priorities
Teresa Wairimu spared no effort to make her disappointment clear to the government.
The Nairobi-based preacher apologized to the attending politicians for what she described as an unpalatable sermon for the political class.
She expressed her concerns about their conduct in office, criticizing them for pushing non-priorities at the expense of pressing issues like the economy and health systems.
“As a voter am embarrassed. We are sick and tired of noise. We want performance. We want workers. Don’t arm yourself like you are going to war. Arm yourself to serve the nation and the people who voted for you,” said the preacher before declaring that some of the politicians must be sent home.
Also read: Top 6 Most Followed Celebrity Pastors in Kenya
Rev. Wairimu allegedly removed from State House Intercessors WhatsApp Group
Rev. Teresa is one of several religious leaders including Father CK who have recently criticized the country’s leadership.
Unconfirmed reports claim that the fiery preacher has been kicked out of the prestigious State House Intercessors WhatsApp group following her critical Sunday sermon.
Once regarded as the church’s darling, the government is now facing growing criticism from the church following the Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in June.
Religious groups including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops have urged the government not to overtax Kenyans who are already struggling in the tough economy.
Following the protests, churches have changed their tune by consistently asking the government to listen to people.
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