ODM-K presidential candidate Kalonzo Musyoka has severally associated himself with Christians and is said to be a born again Christian. He also believes that he is the chosen one of God to lead this nation.
ODM presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, has been attending Church services where church leaders surround him in prayers to bless his presidential candidature. Like on Sunday he attended a service in Kericho before an ODM rally. Priests laid hands on him and his running mate Musalia Mudavadi to bless them.
President Kibaki known of not so famous in attending church every Sunday like the former president Moi, lately seems to have changed too. He is nowadays a regular church attendant.
Kamlesh Pattni was in Marakwet with Linah Kilimo where they attended a fundraiser in Aid of African Inland Church.
In yesterday’s Standard newspaper,I was shocked to see former “Total Man” Nicholas Biwott receiving blessings from American preachers who will fund multi-million water project in Kerio Valley. One thing though, he did not close his eyes when others did. That is not Christian like total man but I know next time you will close your eyes.
What I ask myself is the role of Christianity in politics? Why renowned men and women of God now want to take up a new occupation in politics? What is so good in politics that they missed in the church leadership?
Then my next question is why are our politicians who had earlier been irregular churchmen now turning to God? Have they seen God’s strength as what they need now or could it be to hoodwink the electorate? Do they really mean what they are doing or they are out to hunt for more votes in the churches? There must be a reason why they all are now visiting churches and that reason if you ask me is for personal gain not spiritual ratification, though this may be part of it for the few of them?
Pulpit to politics, priests, pastors why are you going this direction? I think a political constituency is bigger than a church congregation and you are looking for more followers. I don’t intend to judge anyone but I seek to know. What is politics to do with religion?
Lastly I want to say that God at His own appointed time will give us (Kenya) his chosen leader. Not by the number of hands that the earthly men has placed on you or the increased visitation to the holy shrines that you have made of late, but because God knows who is the next president of this country.
-Jamii ya Kenya-
Religion remain opium for the masses and politicians. Besides our politicians are smart at smelling opportunities miles away. They know when to create the facade of togetherness. That plastic bonding often tranlates into votes.
ReplyDeleteGranted religion is a very personal trait. But the truth is most people turn to it to escape perceived or real threats in life. Ask them and they go hysterical with DOGMA on their lips. FACTS and TRUTH graces the side of real life. The other dise of the coin lies religion anchored on faith (dogma) and tales. Make your choice and keep it to yourself, its personal, period.
Kibaki is a regular church goer yes but cameras dont folow him to church nad he does not give speeches in church - he made that clear a long time ago! Even Uncle Moody is a regular at my parish. They are treated like any other parishioners.
ReplyDeleteBesides, the Catholic mass has no slot for presidential speeches.
I'm not sure if the politicians are turning to God, or are going to Church. These are two different things.
ReplyDeleteThe Christian God not only wants our souls in heaven, but is very clear what he expects of us;loving Him with all our biengs and everything we have, and loving our neighbour as ourselves. And that's the hardest part. I hear even Allah doesn't like oppression, taking interests and most of what our past politicians have done, but especially to fellow Muslims.
Maybe 'religion' is more of a socializing agent, like schools, and our politicians know this.
But why is it only the Chrisitans who are dusting their Bibles? If 80% of Kenyans say they are Christian, then that's where the major vote lies.
On another note, do you think its better to associate with Church when its convenient, rather than with tribe? Just curious.
For all intents and purposes, religion is synonymous with ‘after-life insurance’. With heavy loads of sin, people like the total man and baba Giddy must spend sleepless nights contemplating the impending and very terrifying phone call from angel Gabriel. Their fear of a Raila presidency is mightily displaced. The way I see it, these chaps have nothing to fear but the Almighty himself. The high after-life insurance premiums must be paid by prominently visiting and donating to churches. I have been told by a retired cook at state house that baba Giddy’s bed was even shaped like a Coptic cross/crucifix (you know the cross with smaller crosses at the ends…just to be extra sure).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, in the face of despair, man must turn to the supernatural for explanations. Kenya has been ravaged by misrule, disease, insecurity and corruption to the point that its citizens have no option but to throng churches/mosques in search of divine intervention. It is this faith that politicians are attempting to capitalize on. Even bishops have joined the fray. After all, how can a man/woman of God transform into a bad leader? To get to the bottom of that question, you must consult non other than Kamangu, the jigger infested cobbler.
Oh and Sue, the total man kept his eyes open during prayer in anticipation of a lightning strike atop his head. I gather God does not like pretenders.
I'm not sure if the politicians are turning to God, or are going to Church. These are two different things.
ReplyDeleteThe Christian God not only wants our souls in heaven, but is very clear what he expects of us;loving Him with all our biengs and everything we have, and loving our neighbour as ourselves. And that's the hardest part. I hear even Allah doesn't like oppression, taking interests and most of what our past politicians have done, but especially to fellow Muslims.
Maybe 'religion' is more of a socializing agent, like schools, and our politicians know this.
But why is it only the Chrisitans who are dusting their Bibles? If 80% of Kenyans say they are Christian, then that's where the major vote lies.
On another note, do you think its better to associate with Church when its convenient, rather than with tribe? Just curious.
For all intents and purposes, religion is synonymous with ‘after-life insurance’. With heavy loads of sin, people like the total man and baba Giddy must spend sleepless nights contemplating the impending and very terrifying phone call from angel Gabriel. Their fear of a Raila presidency is mightily displaced. The way I see it, these chaps have nothing to fear but the Almighty himself. The high after-life insurance premiums must be paid by prominently visiting and donating to churches. I have been told by a retired cook at state house that baba Giddy’s bed was even shaped like a Coptic cross/crucifix (you know the cross with smaller crosses at the ends…just to be extra sure).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, in the face of despair, man must turn to the supernatural for explanations. Kenya has been ravaged by misrule, disease, insecurity and corruption to the point that its citizens have no option but to throng churches/mosques in search of divine intervention. It is this faith that politicians are attempting to capitalize on. Even bishops have joined the fray. After all, how can a man/woman of God transform into a bad leader? To get to the bottom of that question, you must consult non other than Kamangu, the jigger infested cobbler.
Oh and Sue, the total man kept his eyes open during prayer in anticipation of a lightning strike atop his head. I gather God does not like pretenders.
LOL! Thats a nice one about Biwott Kalamari. Remember two weeks ago during the PANU launch, Kibaki also kept his eyes open through the Muslim and Christian prayers. It was on live broadcast. Wanaogopa nini?
ReplyDeleteAnd on a very serious note can the following people pass their phone numbers to me?
ReplyDelete1. Sue
2. Proud Kikuyu Woman
I have been trying to seek u, coz I gat something to say----It is all about a few questions about the Christian faith, nothing more.
Oh sorry and the new chic in the block, Karol. I need to give you the orientation schedule, u know?
ReplyDeleteMotosana nearly every Christian in Kenya is a regular Church goer but it depends on what one goes to do there. Remember also the devil's agents also visit Churches I believe to fish more to there side. No wonder people doze in some Churches.
ReplyDeleteI support PKW on Chrisitianity is where the majority votes are. Kalamari thats a funny one on Baba Giddy's bed, I would love to see that.
Its time to seek divine powers, the only problem with our politicians in mixing, I believe they still visit the other side.
They should also try Mary Akatsa (is she still around?) and Legio Maria will work overtime in the remaining months.
Vikii you can contact me through my yahoo email its jamiiyakenya etc...
hi PKW vikii and the rest. very interesting discussion. To me chirches and religion (christianity) is a business first then others things second and so on. Ive tasted it. If you want to know how twisted it can be google search 'nairobi christian church' or click on the link http://www.reveal.org/library/stories/people/lmboya.html
ReplyDeletebut the funny thing is this. Were christ to come back today the religious leaders would hook up with the politicians and they would be the core group that would oppose him remember that jesus was killed by the most religious people of the day (the reverends, pastors etc) would be the ones pushing the most for him to die. because he would challenge their way of life and in particular their thirst for money (ostensibly to do Gods work but some of us know better) So for the religious guys who are eying parliamentary seats. Rubbish. Its the money they're really after. Money and power. religion is just a cloak. and as for praying with ones eyes open.....i think its a good thing Biwott and Kibaki) cause you dont know all those other people your praying with. because one prays does not make them good. How else can one explain a country with millions of committed churchgoers, supposedly 80% christian. (remember when Gandhi was asked why he did not choose to convert to christianity yet he was so 'good' his response 'show me one christian and i will change') yet the 30 most corrupt nation on earth. someone is lying.
dare i say that Christianity in Kenya has many of what i call "family-tv" Christians-they know the right things to say, they say the right words, they go to church on Sunday religiously but its all a big facade.The lifestyle is ha ha ha
ReplyDeleteStanding in a garage does not make one a car
Sue and proud kikuyu woman. I understand vikii wants your contacts. I would also be pleased if I could also get your contacts. We have lots in common. kiokopp@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteNo karol. I am sorry, I do not need your contacts as I feel we do not know each other well. You are quite new in the blog and I need to know you abit longer. All the same, thanks for sending me email greetings. kind regards. kioko, BC, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhy is vikii using this blog to hunt for chics? Chris, in the interest of fair play, can you also allow other contributors similar facilities? anon.
ReplyDeleteBiwott finally humbling himselff before God? I doubt it. Anyway, while he's at it he should "repent" about the whole Ouko issue. If you notice, one of the preachers has his left hand laid on poor Biwott. In Christian circles, that is not necessarily a "blessing"...
ReplyDeleteLast night during dinner I asked my son what he thinks should be done in Kenya, supposing he was in charge. To my delight he came up with a mindboggling proposal, which forms part of his school work as they are doing a course on sustainable development. Kenya forms part of his case study, for critics, i did not polish anything but this is Kenya in a child's eye. For the record we live in the UK but my son knows kenya as home, where his sibblings are roots. Enjoy the reading
ReplyDeleteThe issues to address should be:
1. devolution of power , so that people at the grassroots have a say in planning and steering this country as well as discussing what affects them. Decentralise revenue collection i.e through the local authority, set local scrutiny teams at provincial level with the following services at the helm ;
a. Education planning, implementation –at local authority level
b. social care -to manage the breakdown in social structure especially where diseases have left most children orphans , care for elderly . Is it c.possible to set family centres, community resource centres for respite of elderly
c.Environment planning and local transport
d. Library and community service
2. The local town council to be in charge of planning for housing , garbage collection, water and sanitation
3. Primary health care should be planned that is robust to provide interventions at early stages for elderly, young children, mothers etc
4.Equality amendment act to be pegged on treating people equally through provision of jobs, services and goods across the country. An act to be establish that becomes a law where if an employer is proved to have been discriminatory on gender, age, tribe, disability, health status and regional status should be liable and be made a serious offence. Employment opportunities and provision of services should be equitably distributed. Every organisation should have equal opportunity policy, child protection policy and Employers should have a bench mark on having Investor in People (iP) policy
5. Disability amendment act should be amended and made robust to enable people with disabilities have equal footing in the society
6. Establish an agency, Job centre plus to work with public and private sector to train and up skill people locally and regionally and sign post them to employment opportunities. Where possible have qualified staff to help vet potential candidates for employment.
MAKE ALL EMPLOYERS SIGN TO THE ABOVE THROUGH ACT OF PARLIARMENT , SECONDLY BAR GANG MASTERS FROM EXPLOITING WANAINCHI
MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED AND RESPECTED ACROSS THE BOARD
7. Establish Youth service to look into youth issues at local levels and help them in career matters access employment nationally locally.
8. Establish a strong and organised education inspectorate department delinked from ministry of education with an act to manage quality frame work and standard of education in the country with cycles of inspections in schools. Funding should be based on achievement, improvement, attainment. Establish :-
a. centres of excellence in specific schools in every region ie specialising in IT
b. Arts and Media schools in every region to tap on talents
c. Technology Centres in every region in specific schools
d. Sports centre in every region to tap on the talents
Every region should have one of the above
9. Every region should have a procurement department through which tenders go through in 3 tiers , the first at departmental level, organisational level and regional level after which it goes through scrutiny by experts. Along the line declaration of interest should be made a rule, whereby if one has links or owns a company he/she is automatically knocked out.
10. Establish an economic reconstruction at regional level(I would recommend an Economic Development Unit -EDU)to look into stimulating development through economic regeneration:
a. macro/micro credit set up
b. infrastructure development
c. social enterprise, to help people start businesses based on local needs, small start up fund to jump start such initiatives
d. informal sector infrastructure
11. establish pilot Science parks through which the universities, public sector and private sector can work on patenting products through research and development-this is must, cement strong relationship between private sector and academia in the background private investors be encouraged to invest developing new technologies.
12. Establish research department at regional level to help inform on how research can help in informing policies, planning etc-design systems to assess poverty index using health, educational achievement, access to services, income per household, literacy/numeracy, crime and disorder
13.establish a political and reconciliatory body to enable all people of Kenya to participate in development of the nation
14.Department of agriculture should be empowered and established at local levels to help farmers with inputs, farming techniques. An Agency should be establish to protect the agriculture sector from dumping, importing of agriculture products that would kill the local economy,. They should be given powers to control all imports and work with farmers to negotiate the prices of produce directly either locally or abroad, not set by the government. Cooperative movement should be given priority in this case
Audi
Hey Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWho are you kidding!!! You
Fellow Kenyans and Africans
We don't need a blog to see what Raila really stands for - Its what every African, Kenyan should have known years ago. Besides he's the last of the die Communists/Marxist who believes every nation that has come of age must go thru a civil war or cleansing to level the playing ground!!! Watch out guys.
As for you Christians and Muslims you should be at the forefront rejecting this ethicist. We should fight to keep that house on the hill forever sanctified! A sanctuary for progressive thinkers and God fearing leaders.
Some of you will call me a kikuyu, a triblist but I've always thought myself as an African first, Kenyan second, black skinned third and kikuyu last ... But God forbid if we ever have this man our leader.