Bishop Abraham Mulwa (Pointing) together with President Ruto, other clergymen and political leaders at AIC Bomani. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
AIC Kenya’s senior cleric, Bishop Abraham Mulwa, has issued a stern warning to politicians and leaders opposed to President William Ruto’s planned development tour of Ukambani, cautioning them against inciting the public and threatening their political futures.
Speaking during the installation ceremony of Bishop Benjamine Kalanzo as the new AIC Machakos Area Bishop at AIC Bomani, an event attended by President Ruto himself, Bishop Mulwa delivered a passionate address calling for unity, political maturity, and respect for national leadership.
“I want to ask you Kambas, for how long will we be the ones receiving the least? Let the President tour this region peacefully,” the Bishop urged the congregation, which included clergy, congregants, and national leaders. “Whoever comes here should be welcomed properly. This is not anyone’s personal territory.”
Bishop Mulwa, known for his measured tone and rare political commentary, did not hold back as he criticized unnamed leaders fueling tensions and resistance to the President’s visit.
“I hear there are people saying the President should not come to Ukambani. I want to ask them – is this your father’s or grandmother’s land? No one has a right to stop the President from touring any part of this country,” he said emphatically.
In a dramatic shift from his usual non-political stance, the Bishop warned that any leader who attempts to respond negatively to his remarks risks ending their political career.
“I don’t do politics, and I rarely talk politics. But I’ve spoken today because I see you going astray,” he said. “And I want to warn – any politician who dares respond to this message will never be elected or re-elected. Go ahead and try, and you’ll never be called ‘Mheshimiwa’ again.”
Calling for peaceful co-existence and national cohesion, the Bishop emphasized that both Roman Catholic and Protestant clergy in the region had resolved to support development and peace across Ukambani.
“We want this area to be cohesive, peaceful, and to conduct civilized politics,” he said. “Development must reach us like any other place.”
Addressing Members of Parliament directly, Bishop Mulwa reminded them that leadership is a calling from God, not a personal entitlement.
“It is not your right to be voted in – it’s God’s will. Serve even those who didn’t vote for you. Don’t make it hard for the President to run around putting out fires you’ve started,” he advised.
In a show of support for the Head of State, the Bishop praised President Ruto’s commitment to public service.
“Sometimes I try to reach him and I can’t – because he’s busy serving, even at midnight,” he noted. “Your Excellency, even if they abuse you, leave that to God. You are the chief shepherd of this nation, and your reward comes from Him.”
Bishop Mulwa concluded with a powerful message to politicians driven by titles and power: “If you joined politics just to be called ‘Mheshimiwa’, then quit.”
The bishop’s forthright remarks have sparked renewed debate on the political direction of Ukambani and the role of clergy in fostering unity and development in the region. His bold stand is expected to resonate widely across the political and religious landscape.
