Reclaiming the altar: Separation and regulation of church and politics in Kenya
by admin on | 2025-09-02 11:25:52 Last Updated by admin on 2025-09-13 06:20:34
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The intricate relationship between religion and politics in Kenya has long been a subject of debate, rooted in the colonial legacy that established a nominal separation between church and state across many African nations.1 However, this separation has been repeatedly tested by the pervasive influence of neo-patrimonialism, a system where power and resources are concentrated among a select elite, often at the expense of the broader public2. In Kenya, this dynamic has manifested in the troubling entanglement of churches with political elites, where financial donations from politicians’ secure endorsements or platforms, undermining the church’s moral and spiritual authority. The #OccupyChurches movement, which gained significant traction during the June 2024 youth-led protests against economic policies and systemic corruption, represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing discourse.3 This paper examines the tactics, ideology, and implications of the #OccupyChurches movement, situating it within Kenya’s patronage-driven political landscape. It argues for a stricter separation of church and state to preserve the church’s neutrality and prophetic role, coupled with regulatory measures to ensure financial transparency and curb exploitation. By drawing on historical context, contemporary activism, and scholarly analysis, the study highlights the church’s evolution from a vocal critic of corruption in the 1980s to a complicit partner in the post-devolution era, underscoring the urgent need for reform to restore its missional mandate in addressing societal challenges such as corruption, inequality, and tribalism...read more
