Threats from Gen Zs Force Lavington Church to Cancel Rachel Ruto's Harambee

• Lavington United Church had planned a fundraiser to complete their sanctuary, inviting First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto as the Chief Guest for June 30, 2024
• The invitation, which circulated online, drew criticism, particularly from Mwabili Mwagodi, who initiated a campaign against politicians participating in church events
• Mwagodi warned the church through a message to Rev Simon Mutahi that they would intervene to prevent the First Lady's attendance
• In response, Mutahi informed Mwagodi that the First Lady would not attend and subsequently announced the cancellation of the fundraiser event

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - A church has been forced to cancel a fundraiser aimed at raising funds for the completion of a sanctuary.

Lavington Church had invited Rachel Ruto to the fundraiser. Photo: Rachel Ruto. Source: Facebook

Lavington United Church leadership had invited First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto to grace the Sunday, June 30 event.

However, the church was pushed to the corner after the invitation card for the fundraiser was circulated online.

"The pastoral team and church leadership cordially invite you to a fundraising event to complete our sanctuary on June 30, 2024, from 10am at Lavington United Church. The Chief Guest will be Her Excellency Mrs Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya. Your presence and generous contribution will be highly appreciated," read the card signed by Rev Simon Mutahi.

The card attracted the ire of Kenyans online, with some sharing the clergyman's contacts in what has become an emerging trend.

What was Gen Z's warning to Lavington United Church

A man identified as Mwabili Mwagodi reportedly sent a message to Mutahi, claiming he started the campaign to stop politicians from politicking in places of worship.

"Good evening Reverend Mutahi. My name is Mwabili Mwagodi. I am the person who started the campaign to get rid of politicians from the church pulpit in Kenya. I see here you have invited Mrs Rachel Ruto to your church for a fundraiser...This message is to notify you that we are coming for the fundraiser. God bless you," read the message in part.

Mutahi replied to the young man that the First Lady would not be attending before cancelling the planned fundraiser.

"The leadership and pastoral team of Lavington United Church wishes to inform members that the fundraiser event scheduled for June 30, 2024, has been cancelled," read the notice.