Church and state: Are Kenyan politics exploiting religion?

 

Religion plays a central role in the lives of millions of Kenyans. With approximately 85% of the population identifying as Christian and a significant portion practicing Islam, religion shapes not only personal lives but also public policy, culture, and the very fabric of society. Given the country's deep religious roots, the intersection of church and state in Kenyan politics is both inevitable and contentious. However, the question arises: Are Kenyan politicians exploiting religion for political gain, and if so, what are the consequences for the country’s democratic and ethical future?

Religion and Politics: A Complex Relationship

Kenya’s constitution, adopted in 2010, establishes the country as a secular state, emphasizing the separation of church and state. This means that religious institutions are not supposed to influence governmental decisions, and vice versa. However, in practice, religion has had a profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape.

In the lead-up to elections, religious leaders wield substantial influence over their congregations, which can translate into political power. Political candidates, aware of the sway that church leaders hold over their followers, often seek to align themselves with influential religious figures to attract votes. This strategic collaboration raises concerns about the ethics of such partnerships and the extent to which religion is being used as a tool for political manipulation.

The Role of Religious Leaders in Kenyan Politics

Religious leaders in Kenya are often viewed as moral authorities, guiding not only the spiritual lives of their followers but also their social and political views. In many cases, they hold considerable sway over the decisions made by their congregants, particularly in rural areas where traditional community leaders and religious figures are revered.

In recent years, religious leaders have become more vocal on political issues. This shift can be traced to several factors:

1. Increasing Political Awareness

As Kenya’s political scene becomes more competitive and contentious, religious leaders have become more involved in speaking out on national issues, from calls for peace during election periods to advocating for economic justice and government accountability.

2. Religious Institutions as Political Vehicles

Large religious institutions, especially megachurches, have evolved into powerful political vehicles. These institutions not only have a large following but also the resources to organize and mobilize people, making them influential during elections. Leaders of these churches sometimes endorse candidates, conduct rallies, and even use their platforms to promote political ideologies.

3. Moral Authority and National Issues

Religious leaders in Kenya have frequently positioned themselves as defenders of morality, voicing opposition to issues like corruption, the erosion of ethical standards in leadership, and the secularization of the country. Their stance often aligns with the popular concerns of ordinary citizens who feel that politicians have failed to live up to their promises.

Politicians and Their Use of Religion

Kenyan politicians have long been aware of the influence of religion in politics. In the months and weeks leading up to elections, many political leaders seek the endorsement of religious figures, or at least align themselves with religious communities to bolster their public image. These alliances are seen by many as attempts to "sanitize" politicians' public profiles or gain legitimacy.

1. Election Cycles and Religious Endorsements

During election seasons, politicians often make overt gestures of piety to win the favor of religious groups. For example, candidates will attend church services, make public prayers, or offer donations to religious institutions. These actions are designed to demonstrate that the politician shares the same values as religious communities, positioning themselves as trustworthy and morally upright.

In some instances, politicians may directly ask religious leaders to endorse their campaigns. This can significantly impact the political landscape, especially in a country where religion is such a key part of social identity. An endorsement from a well-respected pastor or imam can swing a large number of votes, particularly in regions where religious affiliations are deeply entrenched.

2. Religion as a Mobilizing Tool

Kenya's religious demographics play a significant role in how candidates mobilize their constituencies. Politicians often target certain religious groups to shore up support in regions where those communities dominate. For example, a candidate might appeal to the evangelical Christian community or the Muslim population to galvanize voters in the Rift Valley or Coast regions, respectively.

Candidates are also known to promise religious groups certain benefits in exchange for political support, such as government funding for religious schools or tax exemptions for religious organizations. These promises blur the lines between the church and state, raising questions about whether politicians are genuinely interested in serving the people or simply using religion to secure political power.

The Risks of Exploiting Religion in Politics

While the intertwining of religion and politics may seem harmless or even beneficial at first glance, it can lead to several significant issues.

1. Undermining Secularism and Democratic Integrity

Kenya’s constitution envisions a secular state, where the government remains neutral on religious matters. However, the growing influence of religious leaders in politics risks undermining this principle. When religion becomes a tool for political gain, it erodes the secular nature of the state, potentially favoring one religious group over another. This can lead to social divisions, with certain communities feeling excluded or marginalized.

2. Divisiveness and Polarization

Religious exploitation in politics can deepen existing divisions within the country. Kenya is home to diverse ethnic and religious communities, and when politicians use religion to rally support, it can exacerbate tensions. Politicians who appeal to one group at the expense of another may deepen polarization, undermining national unity and stability. This can be particularly dangerous in a country that has experienced ethnic violence in the past, as religious affiliations often overlap with ethnic identities.

3. Perpetuating Corruption and Bad Governance

Religious leaders who publicly endorse candidates without holding them accountable for their actions risk perpetuating bad governance. Some religious figures may choose to support politicians who promise to fund their institutions or provide other material benefits, overlooking issues such as corruption, human rights violations, or lack of transparency. This compromises the moral authority of religious institutions and may lead to the endorsement of leaders who do not prioritize the welfare of the people.

4. Disempowerment of Citizens

When religion is exploited in politics, it can disempower citizens, particularly those who do not adhere to the dominant religious views. Citizens may feel pressured to align with a particular religious or political ideology, even if it goes against their personal beliefs or interests. The result is a stifling of political diversity and a reduction in critical thinking, as voters may follow religious leaders blindly rather than making informed, independent choices.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balance

Kenya’s political environment is deeply intertwined with religious sentiments, and religious leaders undeniably play a significant role in shaping the country’s political discourse. However, the line between genuine moral leadership and political exploitation is thin. While religious involvement in politics can provide guidance on ethical issues, the dangers of exploiting religion for political gain are significant.

Ultimately, it is crucial that Kenyans continue to reflect on the role of religion in politics and demand that their leaders prioritize the public good over political manipulation. The country’s future depends on maintaining the integrity of its secular state, ensuring that religion serves as a source of moral guidance rather than a tool for political advantage. The challenge remains to balance the freedoms of religion with the necessity of a democratic, inclusive, and secular governance system.