Politicians keep away from the pulpit after Gen-Z push

 For the first time in a long period, the country experienced a weekend of an unusual lull, away from the euphoric buzz of the political class in places of worship.

 This silence can be attributed to an advanced warning from the leaderless Gen-Z alliance.

Their plan to “de-platform politicians in churches,” as part of the first weeks seven days of justice, prompted the political class to keep a low profile.

 Typically, weekends are packed with political itineraries, culminating in church services where politicians seek visibility and often escape accountability. The Gen-Z alliance has targeted this trend, accusing politicians of exploiting church platforms.

 Without much publicity on his social media accounts or media invites, President William Ruto quietly attended a church service at Lolgorian PEFA Church in Kilgoris, Narok County. He was accompanied by Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and former Governor Samuel Tunai. Aware of the Gen-Z rage, the leaders’ attendance was measured, with posts about the service appearing only in the afternoon.

 “This morning, I had the privilege of welcoming the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr William Samoei Ruto, to Narok County for a church service at PEFA Church in Lolgorian, Kilgoris Constituency. Karibu Nyumbani, Mr President,” Governor Ntutu posted around noon.

Block motorcade

 An hour later, President Ruto shared, “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress. – 1 Timothy 4:15. Sunday service at Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) Church in Lolgorian, Narok County.”

 A short video later circulated, allegedly showing youth attempting to block his motorcade shortly after he left the church.

On the other hand, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended a church service at Deliverance Church International Kaplong, in Bomet County where he called out leaders whom he said are displaying arrogance and opulence instead of working as per the manifesto of the Kenya Kwanza Administration. Gachagua added that his working relationship with President William Ruto is good and he will support the Head of State to the end.

 First Lady Rachael Ruto became the first casualty of the campaign against politicians in churches. She was forced to drop a scheduled church appearance amid warnings from the Gen-Z alliance, who had promised to occupy all churches and stop politicians from exploiting church platforms.

Denied platforms

 A poster outlining the action points for the seven days of justice indicated that Sunday was designated to deny politicians platforms in churches. “Don’t allow any politician or RUTO to speak in your church; we shall observe a moment of silence for five minutes for our murdered comrades,” the poster read.

 Planners of the campaign wrote to an Anglican priest in charge of a parish in Lavington, stating their intention to disrupt the First Lady’s planned event.  “Good evening Reverend Mutahi. I am the person who started the campaign to get rid of politicians from the church pulpit in Kenya. I see you have invited Mrs. Rachael Ruto to your church for a fundraiser. This message is to notify you that we are coming for the fundraiser. God bless you,” a publicly circulated message to Rev Mutahi read.

Similar messages were sent to different churches, warning them against hosting politicians.

 This onslaught is part of a sustained campaign against politicians involved in the passage of the Finance Bill 2024, which President Ruto declined to sign following nationwide unrest that saw protesters overrun Parliament and set part of it ablaze.

The sustained public protest has left the political class and government leaders in palpable fear.

Kenya Kwanza legislators, who spearheaded the passage of the bill, and Cabinet Secretaries are now visibly shaken.

For instance, on Friday, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, who was in Mombasa to grace the closing ceremony of the 47th Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Annual National Conference and inspect the new Mama Ngina Girls National School, chose to move discreetly without flying the national flag or using a siren on his motorcade.