Felix Wambua, the National Coordinator of the FreeKenya Movement and a 2027 senatorial candidate for Machakos County, has criticized the government for what he termed as misplaced priorities—focusing on building churches and prisons while neglecting key socio-economic issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking in response to President William Ruto’s recent Ksh 20 million donation to AIC Church Machakos, Wambua questioned the growing trend of large-scale religious donations by political leaders. He pointed specifically to the construction of a Ksh 1.2 billion church at State House, which he said symbolizes the administration’s intention to use religion as a tool for psychological control.
“The government is building churches and prisons because those are the two places it uses to control people—mentally and physically,” Wambua said.
“This is not about faith. It’s about manipulating citizens into enduring suffering with the hope of future salvation, while silencing those who speak up.”
Wambua also criticized the arrest and alleged intimidation of youth involved in the Gen Z Movement and other grassroots campaigns demanding government accountability. He claimed that some young activists have been wrongfully labeled as terrorists for peacefully expressing dissent.
“Those refusing to be deceived and demanding reform are being arrested. The message is clear — anyone who speaks against the state risks jail,” he added.
He further condemned the practice of leaders donating resources to communities as part of public events, noting that many of these are state-funded projects being repackaged as personal generosity.
“It’s unfortunate that our people still applaud leaders who bring ‘donations’ instead of demanding what is rightfully theirs. These are public resources being used to gain political loyalty,” Wambua said.
“We must rethink our politics. Many who claim to be philanthropists are part of the same system they pretend to oppose.”
Calling for electoral reform and civic education ahead of the 2027 general election, Wambua urged citizens to focus on electing transformational leaders who can reset the economy, reform healthcare and education, and restore democratic institutions.
He also challenged faith leaders to go beyond the pulpit and participate in public education efforts to help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
“This Sunday, let us not just pray for prosperity — let us pray for the voter. May their eyes open, may they wake up, because Kenya must change,” he concluded.
