In Kenya, the Church is an irresistible institution when contemplating elective politics. It thrives on matters hearts and soul, has significant base, “influential” clergy. Thus, wooing the church is in every politician’s playbook.
But is the church as influential on political choices as we tend to believe? Methinks, elsewhere but in Kenya where, according to the voter, God does not know politics, the tribal chieftain does.
Still, compare that with America. There, the White Evangelicals base is formidable, focused and determined. It has clarity of agenda. For instance, this base passionately opposes abortion and same sex marriages which it considers unchristian (though for context, sociologists have established that this faction is dangerously racists, anti-immigrants, and anti-Islam. Its battles are fear-filled – existential and for identity). That’s why it pivots towards Republicans with whom ideologies congregate. It’s this fundamentalism that helped to buoy Mr Donald Trump to White House. The Kenyan Christian sorority lacks a strong agenda and conviction.
Power of the kraal
Indeed, in Kenya you will be lucky to enjoy such a fanatical fortune, like Republicans, from the church and faithful. Not even an active man of God can win the flocks’ favour at the ballot. Ask the once charismatic Pastor Pius Muiru of Kuna Nuru Gizani fame. Thus, the best place to check the political quasi-spiritual influencer is at the kraal of the ethnic chieftain, not the altar.
Professor Joseph Galgalo, an Anglican priest, appreciates this reality as much. He recently confessed that voters easily “obey the ethnic voice… that is the reality.”
This is not to say the church should avoid politics. The church should be as concerned with temporal matters as much as the metaphysical. Its remit is to empower the flock to make rational choices. Yet, generally, the clergy’s call goes unheeded if not scoffed at.
New Religions
Today religion is competing for belief and meaning with entertainment, ethnicity, sports (especially football) and politics. All these organised systems come complete with their own rites, doctrines, sacrifices, martyrs, and idols. The new religions promise beatific fulfilment and chastisement, albeit temporal. This is where most people, the youth especially, draw meanings in the contemporary society. In 2017, for instance, Nairobi found an idol, a superhero in form of Mr Mike Mbuvi – Sonko.
But why? The Kenyan project was founded more on tribal fear, aspirations than Christian principles. Synthetic tribal leaders emerged to “protect interests” of tribesmen. Such discourse is still alive today. National leaders are never passionate about Christian values. Though former President Daniel Moi religiously attended church a ritual KBC, the national broadcaster, relayed religiously, he did not construct a national Christian consciousness.
Corrupt, manipulative church
Instead, the Moi state could have been anchored on anything but Judeo-Christian ideals. Further, his state clashed with church luminaries that demanded social justice and good governance. Yes, the church of then was bold, prophetic. When it spoke, its voice bellowed throughout the country and the powers that be trembled. Not anymore. The Church of today is corrupt, manipulative, with strong appetites for material things and scandal. It neither inspires hope nor fear.
Further, in Africa, the church’s relationship with natives has been complex. The church facilitated colonialism. Then, the explosion of revival evangelical churches riding on prosperity gospel, nipped the last decibel of the church. Men of cloth started to behave badly. Prosperity gospel, which is conmanship, took root. And like I have argued before, these rogue ministers, started to roll red carpet and sing Psalms to criminals and politicians who exploit the citizens. The bad guys defied and stained the entire Church of Christ. It lost its voice. It explains the general suspicion and scoff that the church receives especially from the liberal youth.
Redemption
But all is not lost. The Church can redeem itself. First it needs to atone for its sins. Then it must establish a robust self-regulatory mechanism to weed out charlatans and shenanigans. Third, ensure sound formation. Then the church must tame its insatiable appetites for material. Stop the nonsense of prosperity gospel which the musician lamented is “stealing in the name of God”.
Sociologists will remind you that if the church had sway in politics, there is no way Kenyans would be voting on tribal lines. The clergy can be influential on many things, from marital to condemning alcohol, but never at the debe. Take this to the bank.