On Monday, August 3, 2026, President William Ruto convened leaders and members of the Friends Church in Kenya (FCK), also known as the Quakers, at State House Nairobi. The gathering included prominent figures such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, whose home church is the Friends Church, underscoring the meeting's political significance.

Friends Church: A Pillar in Western Kenya

The Friends Church is a major Christian denomination with a strong foothold in Western Kenya counties including Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and Trans Nzoia. It extends its reach to communities from the region residing elsewhere in Kenya, particularly Nairobi.

Beyond spiritual guidance, the church is a key sponsor of educational institutions such as Friends School Kamusinga, Friends School Chavakali, and Kaimosi Friends University College, located at the church's headquarters in Vihiga County. Additionally, it supports hospitals and other community facilities, reinforcing its role as a significant faith-based organization in the region.

Expansion and Influence

The Friends Church has grown beyond Western Kenya, establishing branches in urban areas with sizeable populations from the region. Nairobi's Quaker Road in Donholm, renamed in 2023 through a collaboration involving President Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, exemplifies the church's cultural imprint.

Historical Roots and Political Context

Established in 1902 by Quaker missionaries at Kaimosi, the Friends Church has since expanded widely, founding multiple congregations and institutions serving local communities.

President Ruto's meeting with the Friends Church leaders occurs amid heightened political activity in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general elections. The region has seen increased political competition following recent realignments. This engagement echoes Ruto's strategy before the 2022 elections, where he cultivated ties with religious groups, particularly in Mt Kenya, by participating in church services and events.

Notable Attendees

  • Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka
  • Sirisia MP John Waluke
  • Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
  • Luanda MP Dick Maungu
  • Other political and religious leaders