President William Ruto on Sunday, July 20, surprised Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo with a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado during his installation ceremony in Machakos County.
The president himself presented the car keys to a visibly moved Bishop Kalanzo as church congregation erupted in applause. The event also marked the installation of Amos Ndunda as the assistant bishop.
Photos from the ceremony captured the moment Ruto presented the keys to Bishop Kalanzo, drawing applause from the congregation.
In his address, Ruto took a moment to respond to critics who have accused him of making unrealistic campaign promises. He recalled how some clergy and individuals urged him to scale back his pledges post-election, suggesting they were made solely for political gain.
“There is a bishop, as well as other people, who came and told me, ‘You know whatever you promised, you did so because of the elections. Why don’t you revise some of that so the government can deliver what is possible?’
“But I told them no. I’ve been accused of overpromising. But let me tell Kenyans, it’s not about overpromising – it’s about raising our ambition,” he said.
Ruto attended the installation ceremony alongside several senior government officials, including Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, local leaders, and clergy members.
Mutua commended the church leadership and assured religious institutions that the government would go on to support them, citing their role as society’s moral compass.
“The installation marks a significant moment for the AIC church and the faithful in the region, as Bishop Kalanzo takes up the mantle to lead with humility, wisdom, and a deep sense of service,” Mutua said in a statement following the event.
He added that they prayed for Bishop Kalanzo and pledged continued support for the Church’s role in upholding moral values, fostering unity, and driving community development.
Some photos
