Muslim cleric says colleagues made money from campaigns

Abdul Omollo Masud, the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) in Homa Bay County, reveals that, to his shock, many church leaders exploited the campaign period to line up their pockets instead of spreading the word.

He says he decided to break his silence so as to set himself free as a man of God.

In an interview with The Nairobian in Homa Bay town, Masud said such leaders engaged in what he alternately referred to as "prayer for money" and "money for prayer".

While semantically, the two phrases are almost similar, the first one means praying in order to get money while the second refers to getting money in order to reciprocate with prayer.

"There is an emerging trend among some clergymen called prayer for money and money for prayer. Their objective is to take advantage of prayers in order to get money," Masud said.

Masud was among religious leaders who were at the forefront of promoting peace in the county during the electioneering period. But his worry is the habit will polarise men of God if allowed to continue.

"I am astonished by some clerics who sneak and obtain money from some leaders, then turn wild against their colleagues who are not part of the deal. I don't know how they feel but what comes out is that they become very repulsive even in discussing matters of public interest," he said.

In some instances, those who are not part of their deals are not given the opportunity to speak during public forums.

But he believes this should not occur because they worship one God.

"Whether one is a Muslim or Christian, we are worshipping one God. Nobody should discriminate against the other because of differences in religious background or any cocoon," he added.

He said there is need for inclusivity in all activities undertaken by religious leaders to initiate a social change in the society.

"We have been undertaking a very good initiative of promoting peace in this county. It is wrong for some clergymen to bar others from attending such a meeting because it is a matter of public interest," he added.

Even though his revelations are expected to elicit controversy, Masud is determined that the trend must come to an end.

"The word of God involves telling the truth. Prayer for money which causes unnecessary divisions among some clergymen must end as soon as possible for the men of God to work as a team," he said.

According to him, it is only through teamwork that religious leaders can discourage social ills in the society.

"Even the peace that prevailed after the presidential election outcome was announced resulted from the message of clerics. Let those who are tainting our image stop doing so," he added.

The Chairman of Interfaith Council in Homa Bay County Abrahams Wanda Odongo said he had heard of the reports but has not been provided with any evidence.

"During campaigns, I am told that some clergymen were soliciting funds from politicians in the name of praying for them. But I don't have evidence to link them with the behavour," Odongo said.

He, however, warned that the practice is wrong and should be discouraged at all costs. Bishop Odongo also argued that God's name should not be used for obtaining wealth.

"The word of God is a calling. Anybody who uses it for material gain is wrong," he said.

"Religious leaders should stand for truth and criticise leaders found in any wrongdoing in the society. But soliciting money from leaders in that manner, they will compromise their ability and integrity to criticise such leaders in case of any mess in the society," Odongo added.