The Atheists Society of Kenya has come out guns blazing against President William Ruto for invoking God in his sentiments on affordable housing.

Harrison Mumia, President of the society in a statement reminded Ruto that his mandate was given to him by the people of Kenya and not God.

The debate arose after the Head of State asserted that he would not abandon the affordable housing program despite a court ruling.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal halted Ruto’s affordable housing plan by suspending monthly deductions towards the housing project.

In its verdict, the Appellate Court argued that the deductions targeted only a section of Kenyans (salaried) which was unfair, there was lack of public participation, appeals on the matter were yet to be resolved with finality among other reasons.

In response, President Ruto, who is on a three-day tour in Meru County affirmed that he would defy court orders and continue with the affordable housing project.

“I have authority from the people of Kenya to continue with the affordable housing program. The people’s authority is the authority of God,” he stated during a stopover in Kiutine.

The Atheists Society of Kenya criticised his sentiments questioning why he was invoking God in his mandate as an elected leader.

“He likened the purported public support to receiving a directive from God. The President is quoted as saying, “the people’s authority is authority from God”.

“Let’s be clear. President William Ruto has no authority from any God. He is weaponising God for his own political ends. We want to remind him that executive authority of the President of Kenya derives from the people of Kenya and must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, not God,” Mumia added.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah in a roadside statement ordered the Court of Appeal to expedite all appeals regarding the Housing Act within four days to pave way for the project.