‘Respect authority in power’ – Baringo Women Rep Jematiah calls out churches after criticism against govt

Baringo County Women Representative Florence Jematiah has called on the church to spread hope and faith to believers and to respect the government of the day.

Jematiah’s defence of government comes at a time when the church has been critical of Kenya Kwanza’s administration. 

After the Catholic bishops criticised the government, it later declined President William Ruto’s donations that were promised in Soweto on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The legislator now says the church is demeaning the government and it should stick to its lane.

“The Church should respect the authority in power. Stop demeaning the government and unnecessarily inciting other denominations. Churches do their work of hope and faith for the believers,” Jematiah said in a post on X on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Church’s stance on donations

Although the Catholic Church said it will not bar politicians from attending services, it called on them to respect the pulpit and keep off politics.

“Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces.

“The Church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.

“Politicians are most welcome to attend church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain,” a statement read.

Sapit’s take

The archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, voiced his support for the Catholic bishops and said the sentiments are representative of what the people feel about the government.

“The bishops have spoken the minds of Kenyans and faithfully expressed the truth as things are on the ground. No amount of attacks or intimidation will deter the church from calling out evil and speaking the truth to power.

“Let the political class and those in government come down from their high horses, listen for once, rather than seemingly perpetuate the commonplace culture of impunity. The governed do not need lectures but services and honest engagement. Please concentrate on providing leadership in a meaningful way and first tackle the myriad of problems that are bedevilling the country,” Sapit’s statement read.

The tiff between the government and the church is expected to go on as Ruto’s administration is put under immense spotlight by various stakeholders.