By Agatha Nafula
The church in Kenya has always played a pivotal role in Kenyan politics. From being the sanitizers of many politicians and their loot in the recent past, pushing the agenda of some of these politicians and allowing politicking in churches, to being the critique of the same legislators. It is no longer a closet agenda, as it is notably obvious to Kenyans that there are two sides to the coin when it comes to this religion-political affair.
In the words of Eddy Oketch, the church has the right to point out what they see as wrong with the state. However, the church should also be reminded that part of the problem we are dealing with today is their creation. While dealing with this bitter truth, it is a relief to the followers of the church that their opinions are backed by a larger voice.
We have witnessed substantive criticism from churches in Kenya calling out the current government on its inefficiency to deliver on promises and inability to protect its people. The anti-government demonstrations that dominated most parts of the country in June sparked a massive awakening within the Kenyan population. In this case, the church seemed to align with the youth agenda. They echoed each other’s voice in condemning killings, abductions, and the excessive force used by police against protesters.
The statement released by Catholic Bishops yesterday continues to receive backlash from the government. Notable legislators, including Kipchumba Sudi, appeared most affected as he openly slammed Archbishop Muheria, accusing him of doublespeak. Meanwhile, a statement by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Shollei, questioning whether the work of the church should remain purely spiritual, poses an air of ignorance. Despite the bishops being clergy, they are also part of the Kenyan population, which is drowning in the abyss of government betrayal.
The irony, however, lies in the church itself. Historically, it has often served as a platform for political actors to lure voters. This brings up a critical question: Has the church been betrayed, or is it simply reaping the fruits of its long-standing entanglement with politics?
In what seems to be a collective chorus against the Catholic Church, the head of state has now come out publicly to criticize the church for allegedly lacking qualified clergy. It is more evident than ever that the divorce between the church and the government has gone past its final stages, with remarks now even being made in religious educational institutions.
A factual statement from the Catholic Bishops has triggered an avalanche of responses from the government in what seems like a counterattack. Brethren, tuende na Amani, misa yetu imekwisha.
Atleast one church has seen the country is heading in a wrong direction