THE CROSS AND THE CAUSE

 Image from Fintech Association Africa, by Google

The recent protests in Kenya, dubbed "Reject the Finance Bill," have illuminated the relationship that exists between religious institutions and the political class. These protests, predominantly led by the youth, emerged in response to a controversial bill perceived as yet another ploy by the government to extort its citizens . Despite the lawmakers' failure to heed the concerns of their constituents, they proceeded to pass the bill through various legislative stages, awaiting only the president's signature. As the protests unfolded over several weeks, they revealed deeper issues plaguing the Kenyan populace, including systemic corruption, poor governance, and a pervasive sense of extortion. These challenges have persisted since the country gained independence from colonial rule, and the mounting frustration among citizens has become palpable. The demonstrators voiced their demand for accountability, urging their representatives to return to their mandates and genuinely listen to the people they serve. Amidst the clamour for change, the protests also sparked a critical examination of the seemingly cozy relationship between Christian leaders and the government. Many young activists questioned the extent to which these religious institutions align with the political elite, raising concerns about their role in advocating for the marginalized and holding the government accountable. The protests signify not only a rejection of the proposed finance bill but also a broader call for reform and integrity within both the political and religious spheres in Kenya.

Many protesters have accused Christian leaders of being too closely aligned with the ruling class, allowing the sacred pulpit to be used for political propaganda and other purposes. Concerns have emerged regarding the interactions between church leaders and government officials, leading to suspicions that some may be receiving  the "brown envelope" , hence the undue influence. The hashtag #OccupyChurch symbolizes the movement's determination to sever this connection, challenging traditional practices such as political donations to the church that could sway political decisions.

In response to these concerns, Catholic leaders organized a special Mass to commemorate the young souls lost while fighting for a better Kenya. Bishop Simon Kamomoe acknowledged the Church's past shortcomings and expressed a sincere desire to mend the widening gap between the youth and the Church. However, Reverend Joseph Njakai, an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Mt. Kenya West, noted that the anger directed at many religious leaders stems from the perception that some clerics and denominations are too cozy with the state. As various religious leaders attempt to decipher the ongoing disconnect, pressing questions arise: How can religious institutions regain the trust of a generation that views them as complicit with a corrupt government? Is the youth's call for accountability reflective of a broader demand for transparency across all societal structures, including the Church? What implications does this growing influence have on the secular nature of the Kenyan state? Are we witnessing an erosion of the separation between church and state, and if so, what does this mean for the future of governance in Kenya?

Individual churches and mosques have notably supported the youth movement in Kenya, calling for justice for those killed by rogue law enforcement during the protests. At the same time, they urged young leaders to consider offers for negotiation, even though the dialogue rarely addresses the youths' pressing concerns. In the city under the sun, the Roman Catholic Holy Family Basilica, the Anglican All Saints Cathedral, and Jamia Mosque have all served as hubs for youth-led rescue and medical centers. The culmination of the Church's involvement occurred on July 7, when Catholic and Anglican leaders held interdenominational memorial and prayer services for the many young lives lost in the protests.

This intersection of faith and activism invites a re-examination of the roles that religion and politics play in shaping societal values and governance in Kenya. As the youth continue to push for change, the responses from both political leaders and religious institutions will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the nation. The evolving dynamics between the youth, the government, and the Church underscore a shifting power balance in Kenya. The vocal stance taken by young people reflects a desire for transparency, better governance, and a re-evaluation of the role of religious institutions in political affairs. As they persist in their quest for change, the landscape of governance and social engagement in the Republic hangs in the balance, raising critical questions about the future of both the Church and the state in Kenya.

An Article by Juma Musima