Standard Editorial Team
The trend of certain churches aligning themselves with presidential aspirants is worrying.
While the clergy have a right to enjoy freedom of association and speech, they should do so with a measure of responsibility given the weight of the office they purport to represent.
It is saddening to see that some Kenyans have very short memories. In 2007, a section of the clergy came out to endorse various presidential candidates. This divided their flock down the middle and sowed seeds of division and ethnicity that they are yet to shake off.
The Church is among the most respected institutions, and this has to be earned. Clergy must remember that regardless of their personal political preferences, their role is to minister to a flock that looks up to them as neutral arbiters.
There is nothing wrong with meeting presidential aspirants, but the clergy should remember that in doing so, they leave themselves open to speculation as to the real reasons for such not-so-public engagements.
Rwanda’s example
In Rwanda when the 1994 massacres were at their height, many of those targeted sought refuge in churches believing that no one would hurt them; that even the most ruthless tyrant would shy from attacking them in the house of God.
They were wrong and many were hacked to death in holy shrines. When clergy allow their pulpits to become platforms for politicians, they are doing a disservice to their flock.
