Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday announced that the government will pay Sh2 billion to Kenya Methodist University as part of long-delayed capitation owed to the institution, in a move that also comes amid intensifying political activity in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during a church service at the Methodist Church in Kenya in Kaaga, North Imenti Constituency, Meru County, Kindiki said the funds were part of government efforts to support faith-based institutions that provide education, health services and social programs to communities.
“The Methodist Church has played a critical role in preaching holiness while also empowering citizens through education, health and water projects,” Kindiki said.
The deputy president attended the Sunday worship service that also marked the induction of Rev. David Mwiti as Bishop of the Kaaga Synod. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Dr. John Maromba, the presiding bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya.
Kindiki said the government was also working with the church to reclaim properties that had allegedly been encroached upon over the years.
“The government is supporting the church to recover its encroached properties while also settling long-standing financial obligations owed to its institutions,” he said.
The event attracted local political leaders and community members from across Meru, reflecting the growing political attention on the Mt Kenya region as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The region has become a key battleground following the fallout between President William Ruto and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, which reshaped alliances within the ruling coalition and triggered heightened political mobilisation.
In recent months, several senior government officials have intensified visits to the region, attending church functions, development launches and community meetings — a strategy analysts say is aimed at consolidating support.
Kindiki, who hails from Tharaka Nithi, has increasingly emerged as a key government figure in the region, often representing the administration in public engagements across Mt Kenya.
During the service, church leaders called on political leaders to support faith-based institutions that continue to play a central role in providing education and social services in the country.
The Methodist Church runs several schools, hospitals and development programs across Kenya, serving thousands of students and patients annually.
Kindiki said the government remained committed to working with religious institutions to strengthen social programs and improve community development initiatives across the country.
