Church clerics rebuke ODM’s remarks on Mwilu’s arrest

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu at the Milimani Law Court. She was arrested over alleged corruption. [File, Standard]

A group Pentecostal Church clerics have criticised the Orange Democratic Movement party for protesting against arrest of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

Through their organization, the Vessel of Honour Ministries, the men of cloth who belong to various denominations differed with the ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna for issuing a statement that castigated Mwilu’s arrest.

The Clergymen led by the organization President Evangelist Stephen Mckay, bishops James Kambona, Elijah Obado, Ben Okello and Pascal Otieno told political leaders to shun abetting corruption.

Speaking at the Word of Faith Church in Homa Bay Town on Friday, during this year’s evangelical international conference with theme ‘leadership and integrity’, Kambona challenged Sifuna to stop making comments which impede the fight against corruption.

“Corruption is a serious menace which should be fought by everybody in this country. We are telling our political leaders to stop defending leaders who are arrested over suspicion on corruption,” said Kambona.

He argued that offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should be given time to arrest leaders accused of corruption.

“All corruption suspects should be taken to court where they are given opportunity to defend themselves. Anybody found culpable should carry their own cross without intervention of a politician,” Kambona added.

Evangelist Stephen Mckay who is a citizen of the United States of America called on Kenyan clergy men to stand firm in condemning corruption in the country.

“The role of the clergy is to stand with the truth regardless of a person involved in the problem,” said Mckay.

On Wednesday, Sifuna said Mwilu’s arrest was done unprocedurally.