DP Ruto quotes wrong verse during prayer meeting

By Peter Ochieng

It is not every time that one quotes the Bible correctly, as Deputy President (DP) William Ruto realized publicly, for the second time since 2019.

Speaking during the 19th National Prayer Breakfast meeting at Safari Park, Nairobi on Thursday, May 2022, Ruto sought to emphasize the need of seeking forgiveness and be forgiven, since we have all fallen short of the glory of God.

He went ahead to quote a verse in the book of Isaiah. “We are all human beings, and the Bible says in Isaiah 1:18, we have fallen short. So where we have fallen short, to all I request for forgiveness,” he said.

However, the message in the verse quoted by Ruto carries a completely different message.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool,” the Bible says.

The correct verse Ruto wanted to quote is Romans 3:23. It reads, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” it reads.
The DP in his speech also correctly quoted Psalms 20:7, which reads, ” Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

File Image of Deputy President William Ruto during the State funeral of former President Mwai Kibaki [Photo Courtesy]

In April 2019, The DP publicly quoted a verse that ‘doesn’t exist’ in the Holy book.

Speaking at the Citadel Salvation Army Church in Kakamega at the time, Ruto said that “in this country, there are those who believe in God and those who believe in witchcraft”, before going ahead to quote a verse that is not in existence.

“Tunaomba muwaombee, wajue ya kwamba Mathayo 6:35, watafute kwanza ufalme wa Mungu wawachane na hii mambo ingine ambayo inachafua taifa letu. (We request that you pray for them so that they may know that Mathew 6:35 says they must first seek the Kingdom of God. They should leave these other things that destroy our Country,” Ruto said.

The correct verse the DP wanted to quote is Mathew 6:33, which says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The book of Mathew 6 ends with verse 34.