Prof. Makau Mutua Reacts to a VIDEO of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru Being Anointed With Holy Oil

President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Makau Mutua, has sparked political debate after reacting to a video showing Bishop Margaret Wanjiru anointing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i with holy oil.

The footage, recorded during a Sunday service at Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM) in Nairobi on October 11, 2026, captured Wanjiru pouring oil on Matiang’i as she prayed for him ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mutua shared the video on his X account on the morning of Monday, October 12, accompanying it with a brief caption: “Wow😢🙈.”

Although the constitutional affairs adviser did not elaborate on his reaction, the emojis attracted attention from political observers, particularly given his previous criticism of Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions.

The church service brought together religion and politics, with Wanjiru publicly endorsing Matiang’i’s presidential bid while offering prayers for his political journey.

In a reciprocal show of support, Matiang’i endorsed Wanjiru’s ambition to become Nairobi governor in 2027, pledging to support her campaign against incumbent Johnson Sakaja.

Wanjiru, who leads the Kenya Moja Movement, also recalled having previously anointed President Ruto before his rise to the presidency. However, she suggested that the Head of State had not fully honoured the expectations associated with that blessing.

The event was not without controversy, as Matiang’i condemned political goonism and disruptions at public gatherings, including an incident that reportedly interrupted the service.

Nairobi County official Geoffrey Mosiria, who attended the gathering, subsequently floated the possibility of Wanjiru becoming his running mate should he enter the Nairobi gubernatorial race.

Mutua’s reaction has drawn interest because of his previous assessment of Matiang’i as a capable technocrat who, in his view, may struggle in the demanding arena of presidential politics. He has previously urged the former Cabinet Secretary to reconsider his presidential ambitions.

The latest exchange comes as political leaders and parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with alliances, endorsements and public appearances increasingly shaping political conversations.

In Kenya, religious gatherings have frequently provided politicians with platforms to seek public support and project an image of spiritual legitimacy.

While Wanjiru and Matiang’i presented their meeting as a show of mutual support, Mutua’s brief reaction has added another dimension to the political discussion surrounding the former Interior CS’s presidential bid.

With the next General Election approaching, the relationship between religious influence and political ambition is likely to remain a subject of public debate.

https://x.com/makaumutua/status/2109552114233922031

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