Ajabu Africa News

PHOTO:

Kenyans in the motherland during a church service. PIC BY COURTESY

By:

ALEX KAMAU

Posted:

Feb,04-2021 18:16:35

I came of age in the 1990s and remember with eternal gratitude the example of courage and fidelity to the Gospel by clergymen such as Bishops Alexander Kipsang Muge, Manasses Kuria, David Gitari, Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki, Henry Okullu, Cardinal Maurice Otunga, Rev. Dr Timothy Njoya and Father. Ndikaru wa Teresiah, to mention but a few.

These faithful pastors of the gospel boldly stood against KANU’s catastrophic Kleptocracy, and emboldened the change agents of then, among them one Raila Amollo Odinga, Paul Muite, Japheth Shamalla, James Orengo, George Nthenge, Mukaru Nganga, Masinde Muliro, George Moseti Anyona, Professor Wangari Maathai and Dr. Willy Mutunga to inflame the blaze that ultimately led to the end of KANU's despotic and ruinous tyranny of misrule.

It was a time when the church at its best gallantly acted as an agent of social justice and the altruism society so depends on to thrive. It was the time when pastors saw themselves as shepherds on the side of the downtrodden. Yes those that Jesus Christ represented in his earthly ministry.

The church of then believed it could marshal its material and moral resources for the better of the country and especially those in the greatest need. History will forever remember Bishop Ndingi's abiding generosity in accommodating the victims of the deadly tribal clashes at the Catholic Cathedral in Nakuru town at the height of the ethnic cleansing unleashed by KANU. At great risk to his life, he physically and boldly made the perilous journey to the killing fields in the Rift Valley.

The church in unison spoke to oppose the killings. President Moi and the murderous clique around him knew the bloodletting had to end. It did. Through that act, Kenyans bore witness to the parable of the Good Samaritan. Bishop Ndingi knew orally preaching that verse would mean little to the dying and the maimed. Attending to their needs would witness it to them. And it did.

That was sadly then. What do we hear from the Kenyan church today? Verses after verses about prosperity, materialism and the close link between blessings and offerings. I am without doubt that God is not a casino operator to be bribed by corrupt hearts and gluttonous souls. No Christian should feel the need to attend church in the hope of material blessings.

Should not the church be for worship, praise, thanksgiving and community (two or more gathered)? How little of these things we see in the church today? Our churches have become fashion shows with attendees dressed like rock stars, with the extravagance of Queen Antoinette; to be noticed for their sharp suits, beauty, hips and the acres of flesh on generous and inviting display.

Our churches have become citadels of hypocrisy and vehicles of quick riches. God has been put at the back seat; His name to be invoked when it suits our NEEDS! Today the church in Kenya has evolved and followed the exact trajectory of the dystopian society that our once promising country has become. There are barely any noticeable voices in the church challenging misrule on behalf of the lowest. In its place are politicians with bundles of cash to give welcomed, and invited to kneel to be anointed, blessed and unleashed to go and steal more, to bring next time. Riches arising from the proceeds of corruption and crime have been baptized as blessings and heavenly favour. Politicians who have looted our country dry are generously welcomed to the alter to deliver venomous bile to those that oppose them as the confused congregation heartily clap, lest they anger their pastors.

Meanwhile our country sinks further, with more citizens leading a "living dead" existence, plagued by poverty and injustice, with nobody to speak on their behalf. Unless the church in Kenya changes course; unless those leading it reflect and turn their ways and courageously proclaim the gospel and the God that called them; Unless they reject the view of the church as a kiosk to make quick riches while avoiding the bitter realities and demands of hard work; unless they readily stand up for what is right and just on behalf of the suffering in society as Jesus Christ did, an unforgiving and relentless writing shall soon appear on the walls of their hearts.

And before I am attacked and labeled an apostle of Lucifer, I remind you of two countries--Poland and the Republic of Ireland. Both countries whose histories are intertwined with those of the Church. Millions in those countries looked to and believed in the church and the direction it provided until the church lost its way, and committed heinous crimes against its most vulnerable. Church attendance plummeted and millions abandoned their Christian faith altogether.

We have churches in Europe now being turned into mosques, pubs and commercial offices. I hope that when today's Kenyan children come of age; they shall not read about a church that idly stood by, unwilling to stand up for what was right and just, to safeguard a better country and future for them. Yes a church that sided with evil. Today we have pastors determined to be MCAs, MPs, Senators and Governors.

Deep down, their motivation is not about public service to the forgotten and the suffering. No. It is about joining the merciless rulers and the gluttonous looters. Alex Kamau is confident the church has the power to make Kenya BETTER. akkamotho@yahoo.co.uk @WaIkui.