RAILA GIVES NEW WARNING TO CHURCHES

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga Sunday, December 25, launched an onslaught on a section of church leaders, accusing them of taking sides in politics.

While speaking during a Christmas service in Siaya County, Raila revisited the Bomas fracas witnessed during the declaration of the August 9 election, arguing that the position taken by church leadership could have played a factor in the outcome.

According to the Azimio leader, a decision taken by one of the clergymen present at the Bomas of Kenya National Tallying Center to pray and back the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) results legitimatized the election process despite his sides’ reservations.

Odinga warned the leaders against allowing politicians to turn places of worship into centres of trading insults and hatred against rival leaders, arguing that such a move risked deviating the church from its main role.

He, instead, urged the clergy to exercise restraint from active politics and instead play their role in providing oversight, more so in condemning injustices.

“The church should act firmly against injustices. Am not giving blanket criticism against the church, but we have seen for example church leaders associating themselves with injustices of our country,” he added.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit was forced to intervene after a brawl ensued between supporters and officials from both political factions clashed at the tallying centre.

Raila’s remarks came at a time when President Willliam Ruto was under pressure over his close involvement of the church in government affairs since his ascension to power.

His stance was previously advanced by former Presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame who noted that the new administration had adopted a new trajectory where state functions were aligned with church practices.

“While we acknowledge the hand of God in bringing us this far, the presidency must observe Article 27 of the Constitution,” Kigame stated.

“The church should play a neutral, prophetic, balanced and truthful role in order to provide a true spiritual direction for the country. It should congratulate the king but also be prepared to tell the king that he is naked should he be,” he added.

During his campaigns, Ruto had projected himself as the advocate of the church and reached several agreements meant to safeguard its position in societal affairs.