You cannot pull clergy out of current dirt

By Oscar Obonyo

My heart bleeds with pity every time I witness the men and women of cloth at press conferences pouring out their campaign trail frustrations.

You have heard them protest over being labelled ‘anti-reformists’, ‘prophets of doom’, ‘narrow-minded’, ‘intolerant’ among all manner of abuses. They simply can’t comprehend the painful reality that society has turned against them!

When they opted to challenge politicians at their own game, they had no idea the amount of filth that would fly their way. They underestimated how deep they would sink in the political mud. Now even by fervent prayer, one cannot pull them out of the dirt that has become the Proposed Constitution debate.

Cornered, the men and women of God are now unleashing curses. And like politicians, they follow political debate on TV and newspapers and protest about insignificance such as opinion poll figures. Our clergy have surely played into the politicians’ nest and urgently need prayers.

Nobody is vilifying anybody for voicing his or her concerns. But as a pious Catholic, I appreciate a few basic teachings. Even as they exercise their democratic right of choice, the clergy have a moral duty to foster peace and harmony. In our instance they are part of the problem.

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As they engage in political battle, counterparts in neighbouring countries are playing the referee.

In Tanzania, where General Elections take place in October, the Catholic Professionals of Tanzania and the Tanzania Episcopal Conference's Justice and Peace Commission, have authored a 16-page booklet, "Mpango wa Kichungaji Kuhamasisha Jamii Kuelekea Uchaguzi (A Pastoral Programme to Sensitise People Towards the Election)", that guides believers on how to vote in the "right" candidates.

In Uganda, Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi of the Anglican and Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of the Catholic Church, have jointly released a pastoral letter promoting harmony and good governance ahead of next year’s elections.

I know some will argue our case is different because the Church is "under attack". Yet others will remind me of combative clerics Timothy Njoya, Henry Okullu, Alexander Muge, David Gitari and Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki of the late 1980s.

But these brave heroes of the Second Liberation struggle stepped in to fill a void after a crackdown on reform crusaders including, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Martin Shikuku, Kenneth Matiba, George Anyona, Raila Odinga, Kiraitu Murungi, Gitobu Imanyara, Koigi wa Wamwere and a host of university lecturers by the Kanu regime.

Having made their stand known, won’t the men and women of cloth stay above the fray?

—Obonyo is Senior Political Writer of The Standard