The Brewing Rot That Is The Romance Of Church And Politics in Kenya: The Politization of Faith

By Steve Biko Wafula / Published March 19, 2023 | 1:07 pm

KEY POINTS

The mixing of church and state is problematic for several reasons. First, it can lead to the corruption of both institutions. When the state uses religion for political purposes or the church seeks political power, both can become distorted and lose their true purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The church is supposed to be an independent and moral authority in society that advocates for justice and the common good. However, when the church becomes entangled with the government, it compromises its moral authority and undermines its role as a prophetic voice for the people.

The Bible does not provide a clear and straightforward answer regarding the relationship between the church and the state. However, it does offer some guidance and principles that can be applied to understanding this issue.

One of the key passages is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor. He responds by saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21, ESV). This statement implies that there is a distinction between the realm of politics and the realm of religion and that both are important in their own right.

Additionally, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul instructs Christians to obey the governing authorities, as they are instituted by God for the good of society (Romans 13:1-7). This passage suggests that the state has a legitimate role in maintaining order and promoting justice. However, it does not suggest that the state has ultimate authority over the church or that the two should be merged.

Second, it can lead to the persecution of religious minorities. When the state endorses a particular religion or imposes religious beliefs on its citizens, those who do not share those beliefs can be marginalized or oppressed.

Third, it can limit the freedom of individuals to practice their faith. When the state controls religion or restricts religious expression, individuals may not be free to worship and follow their beliefs as they see fit.

Overall, while the Bible offers some guidance on the relationship between the church and state, it does not provide a clear blueprint for how they should interact.

However, it does suggest that both institutions are important and have their own distinct roles. The mixing of church and state can be problematic and lead to the corruption of both institutions, the persecution of religious minorities, and the limitation of individual freedom.

This is precisely what has happened in Kenya, where the church has become bedfellows with the government, and this is wrong for several reasons, as outlined below:

Firstly, when the church aligns itself with the government, it loses its independence and impartiality. The church is supposed to be a voice of conscience that holds the government accountable and speaks out against injustices, corruption, and human rights abuses. However, when the church is in bed with the government, it is less likely to speak out against the government’s excesses and is more likely to defend the government’s actions, even when they are wrong.

Secondly, when the church is aligned with the government, it can easily become a tool of the government to control and manipulate the masses. This is particularly true in Kenya, where the church has a significant influence on the people. By aligning with the government, the church risks becoming an instrument of propaganda, which can be used to sway the masses in favor of the government, regardless of the government’s actions or policies.

Thirdly, when the church is in bed with the government, it can become corrupted by the government’s power and wealth. This is particularly true in Kenya, where the government is known for its corruption and abuse of power. The church risks becoming part of this corrupt system, which can undermine its moral authority and credibility in the eyes of the people.

Fourthly, when the church is aligned with the government, it can lose touch with the needs and aspirations of the people. The church should be a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the oppressed. However, when the church is in bed with the government, it can become disconnected from the realities of the people and more concerned with maintaining its relationship with the government.

Fifthly, when the church is in bed with the government, it can compromise its values and principles. The church is supposed to stand for justice, equality, and human dignity. However, when the church is aligned with the government, it risks compromising these values in favor of political expediency or financial gain.

Sixthly, when the church is aligned with the government, it risks becoming partisan and divisive. The church should be a unifying force in society, bringing people of different backgrounds together in the pursuit of common goals. However, when the church aligns itself with the government, it can become associated with a particular political party or faction, which can divide the church and the society it serves.

Seventhly, when the church is in bed with the government, it can become complacent and inert. The church should be a force for positive change in society, challenging the status quo and advocating for progress. However, when the church is aligned with the government, it risks becoming content with the status quo and reluctant to challenge the government’s policies or actions.

Eighthly, when the church is aligned with the government, it risks becoming irrelevant and losing its influence in society. The church should be a relevant and dynamic force in society, adapting to changing circumstances and addressing new challenges. However, when the church is in bed with the government, it risks becoming stagnant and disconnected from the changing realities of society.

Ninthly, when the church is aligned with the government, it can become authoritarian and oppressive. The church should be a champion of freedom and democracy, advocating for rights and giving the moral compass direction.

In Kenya, the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and prohibits the State from promoting or favoring any particular religion. However, in practice, there have been instances where the government has been accused of promoting certain religious beliefs and practices.

To address this issue, Kenyans can take various actions such as:

Educating themselves and others: Kenyans can educate themselves and others on the constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of worship and the separation of church and state.
Engaging with religious and political leaders: Kenyans can engage with religious and political leaders to raise awareness and advocate for the separation of church and state.
Filing legal challenges: Kenyans can file legal challenges against any government action that appears to violate the constitutional provisions on separation of church and state.
Voting wisely: Kenyans can use their votes to elect leaders who respect the constitutional provisions on separation of church and state.
Promoting interfaith dialogue: Kenyans can promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation to foster religious harmony and tolerance.

It is important to note that these actions require collective efforts from all Kenyans who believe in the importance of the separation of church and state.

About Steve Biko Wafula

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters.He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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