A routine prayer at State House turned into a fiery sermon on corruption, leaving top government officials visibly uneasy during the signing of the Conflict-of-Interest Bill 2023 and the Social Protection Bill 2025 by President William Ruto.
Bishop Dr. David Oginde, the Chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), took the podium to lead a prayer but instead delivered a searing indictment of public officials allegedly involved in graft.
Quoting Scripture with striking clarity, Oginde referenced the fate of Ananias and Sapphira, a biblical couple who dropped dead after lying about their wealth.
“You are the same God, oh Lord, when Ananias and Sapphira conspired to cheat the leaders of their time. Your judgment came upon them. They died in the presence of many,” he prayed, as the room fell into uncomfortable silence.
The bishop went on to invoke the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. “It did not benefit him. The land he bought with that money is where he later committed suicide,” Oginde said, his tone growing more intense.
He then drew a chilling parallel to Kenya’s present-day leaders. “There may be individuals, couples, or even entire families conspiring to steal the little this country has,” he warned, sparking murmurs online.
Oginde concluded the prayer with a spiritual call for justice, praying that those tempted to loot public funds face both legal consequences and divine retribution.
“As our President signs this law, may his signature be from heaven and backed by the force of heaven,” he declared. “Let those who steal not only be judged in court, but also by God.”
In attendance were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and several Cabinet Secretaries, many of whom stood during the prayer. But online, sharp-eyed Kenyans noticed one key detail, President Ruto remained seated throughout.
The moment has since gone viral, igniting debate across social media platforms. Some Kenyans hailed Bishop Oginde’s boldness as “prophetic,” praising him for confronting corruption at the heart of power.
Others questioned the symbolism of the president’s posture, asking whether it reflected discomfort or defiance.
Oginde’s prayer is being hailed not just as a moment of spiritual reflection but as a daring act of moral resistance in a country growing weary of corruption scandals and empty promises.
