Abstract

Throughout Kenya’s post-independence history, the Church and the state have existed in a love-hate relationship. Senior political leaders have been heard telling church leaders to keep off politics and Church leaders trying heard telling politicians to keep political speeches and public cash donations out of Churches. Despite such speeches and efforts however, it is observable that politicians tend to get attracted to Churches and their functions, while Churches tend to invite politicians.

This paper uses historical methodology and focus group discussions to analyse the dynamics that underlie this love-hate relationship. These methods centre on three areas. The first is critiquing various moments in the past and recent history of Kenya. The second is reflecting on CORAT Africa’s services to Church organizations. Lastly, there are discussions by members of the NCCK executive committee.

Two interesting insights emerge. Firstly, the relationship between churches (represented by their leaders) and politicians arises from the fact of their shared target communities. Secondly, there is a paradoxical reality: the churches have the numbers but not the resources required for their work, while the politicians who have the resources require popularity among citizens to function securely and get elected. This creates an underlying dynamic which causes churches to seek political leaders for their resources, while the latter seek the former to gain access to the thousands of voters in their congregations. These two insights lead to the recommendation that churches re-organize their ministries to raise believers that are responsible socio-economically stable Christian citizens. Such Christian citizens will be able to practice true worship in their churches and provide adequate resources for ministry. This would free them from desperation for resources and forestall political manipulation.