The heated political debates that have gripped Kenya in the wake of the 2024 general elections have spilled over into an unexpected arena – the country’s religious institutions. From church pulpits to mosque courtyards, the lines between faith and politics have become increasingly blurred, causing concern among many Kenyans who seek solace and guidance in these sacred spaces.
The 2022 elections were a watershed moment for the country, with the contest between the two leading presidential candidates intensifying long-standing divisions along ethnic and ideological lines. In the aftermath, the political rhetoric has reached fever pitch, with both sides accusing the other of foul play and urging their supporters to take to the streets.
In this charged atmosphere, some religious leaders have found themselves drawn into the fray, using their platforms to endorse particular political agendas or to rally their congregations behind specific candidates. This trend has sparked a growing debate about the appropriate role of religion in the political sphere, and whether the sanctity of religious institutions should be preserved from the divisiveness of partisan politics.
“A church should be a place of refuge, a sanctuary where people can find solace and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and conflicts of the outside world,” says Reverend John Munya, a prominent Nairobi-based pastor. “When we allow politics to seep into the pulpit, we risk alienating those who come to us seeking respite from the turmoil of daily life.”
The argument for keeping religious spaces apolitical is not a new one, but it has taken on renewed urgency in the wake of the 2022 elections. Proponents of this view point to the potential for religious institutions to serve as a unifying force in a deeply divided society, offering a counterpoint to the partisan rancor that has come to dominate the national discourse.
“Religion should be a bridge that brings people together, not a wedge that drives them apart,” says Imam Khalid Suleiman, a respected Islamic scholar. “When we use our platforms to advance narrow political agendas, we risk undermining the very values of compassion, tolerance, and community that are at the heart of our faith traditions.”
Moreover, the intrusion of politics into religious spaces can have tangible consequences for the individuals and communities who rely on these institutions for support. As partisan tensions escalate, some worshippers may feel alienated or unwelcome in their own places of worship, further exacerbating the societal rifts that have emerged in the wake of the election.
“I’ve had parishioners come to me, distraught and feeling like they no longer belong in their own church because the pastor has taken a strong political stance,” says Father Michael Omalwa, a Catholic priest in Mombasa. “It’s heartbreaking to see the sacred bond between a congregation and their spiritual leaders being torn apart by the divisiveness of politics.”
In response to these concerns, some religious leaders have sought to reaffirm the primacy of spiritual values over political allegiances. They have emphasized the importance of creating inclusive, apolitical spaces where individuals of all backgrounds can come together in fellowship and worship, without the distraction of partisan debates.
“Our mission is to minister to the spiritual needs of our community, not to advance the agendas of any political party or candidate,” says Bishop Esther Arunga, the head of a prominent Pentecostal denomination. “We have a responsibility to remain above the fray, to be a beacon of unity and peace in these turbulent times.”
This sentiment has resonated with many Kenyans, who are increasingly vocal in their calls for religious institutions to maintain a strict separation from the political sphere. Online petitions, social media campaigns, and grassroots advocacy efforts have all sought to pressure religious leaders to keep their pulpits free from partisan rhetoric and to focus instead on the universal values of compassion, forgiveness, and community.
“At the end of the day, we go to church or mosque to connect with the divine, not to be bombarded with the same political arguments that we hear everywhere else,” says Fatima Abdi, a Nairobi-based accountant. “It’s a place of respite, and we need to protect that sacred space from the corrosive influence of partisan politics.”
As Kenya navigates the aftermath of the 2022 elections, the debate over the role of religion in the public sphere is likely to continue. But for those who cherish the sanctity of their places of worship, the message is clear: politics should have no place in the pulpit, for the sake of the individual, the community, and the very soul of the nation.
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