Why we should Spare God from Kenyan Politics

Some of the ballot boxes that contained presidential papers from Jomvu polling station. [Collins Kweyu,Standard]

One of the most intriguing episodes in recent Kenyan politics is the way politicians manipulate religion to influence their prominence or advance their political goals. This fraudulent portrayal of faith is often dangerous, especially when we know that religion is a deeply moral and affective entity. It is not surprising that the pendulum has obviously swung the other way, where use of faith or religious affiliation is often viewed with suspicion, and as a reminder of the 2007 post-election violence and stranglehold partisanship of the church in party politics. Unfortunately, many Christians are unable to see through the veil of politicised environment as we are now. It is an indisputable fact that both religion and politics strongly appeal to our national emotions.

Last week's Supreme Court hearings, for example, confirmed an interesting collision of two things that are so intimate, emotive and tend to obsess Kenyans in very interesting ways: religion and politics. The public prayed for wisdom in the dispensation of justice in the petition and or also 'assigned' God to particular candidates so that it was as if God stood at the courtroom on their behalf as a lawyer and their defender. It pains me to hear some supporters say that "God is on our side".

Kenyan politicians have injected "God" into their campaigns, at times even claiming to have seen visions or heard God pleading with them to run for political office! Others have tried to project a religious persona by having campaign posters showing them in prayer, attending Mass, or fundraising or giving offerings and or organising denominational prayers to broaden their religious base. Some have sought the endorsement of prominent ecclesiastical leaders, or courted the sects known to have a command vote over its members.

But the problem becomes too unbearable each time we have a national competition or problem in Kenya. We take sides. We brand those that are not with us ungodly, and those with us as belonging to God. In our elections, it's obvious that some political parties or individuals act as if they are sanctioned by God and or others ordained by Satan. Politicians are increasingly using religion as a cover for some personal warts where the church becomes an ideal venue of camouflage. By identifying themselves with faith as they seek to have a spiritual legitimacy and identity. Appearing hyper-religious is a creative way of getting exonerated from social culpability. They have mastered the art of exploiting religion to mask the source of their vast wealth and alleged massive corruption.

The titanic battle between Raila and Ruto has once again resurfaced the dynamic but ambivalent relationship between religion and politics in our country. In this context, one may reasonably ask, does God vote in Kenya? Does religion provide a problem or is it part of the solution to improve governance and democratic space in the country? We all need to be acutely aware and understand religion's critical role in shaping national politics, governance and the rule of law.

Dr Chacha teaches at Laikipia University