NCCK North Rift bans politics, fundraising in churches

The National Council of Churches of Kenya North Rift clerics during a meeting in Eldoret over the weekend, where they banned politics and fundraising in churches. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) North Rift region has banned politics and fundraising activities in churches until further notice.

This follows the NCCK meeting held in Eldoret at the weekend which recommended that politicians will never be allowed to address the church unless it’s a special spiritual message to the congregants.

The clerics also accused some politicians of using church platforms to attack their enemies whenever they are given a chance to address the congregation.

“The regional committee of the NCCK North Rift has assembled here in Eldoret to share some grievances. We are very much concerned about the insecurity of the country and from what we have witnessed a few months ago from our leaders, we want to make it clear that we don’t want politics in our churches,” said Rev Nicholas Kosgei of ACK Eldoret.

He added, “If some people think that they will use the church to market themselves politically relevant, then we are sorry, you better take your money somewhere else because we don’t want corruption in churches.”

Kosgei said that the resolution was made after having a consultative meeting involving six parishes from six counties within the North Rift region.

He noted that cases of insecurity are rising in some counties, contributing to under development that has led to unemployment of many youths whom they claimed are now idle.

The cleric urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to reorganize the security machinery in areas that are most affected and ensure that those individuals involved in criminal activities are arrested and prosecuted.

Rev Josphat Kimani of Meno Nite Church said politicians should be very careful about what they do or say especially during this crucial time of the preparation of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

He said Kenyans are tired of the ongoing utterances from political leaders who always attack each other without considering the status of the country’s economy.

“As the church, we condemn the emerging trend of the foul language and the emergence of toxic politics that are being witnessed nowadays. Politicians should not be allowed to train our children who are humble to insult one another, let them preach peace if they really love this country,” Kimani urged.

Rev Joseph Oketch of RCEA also reiterated that the current politics is leading the country to a dark path of hatred, conflicts and violence.

He called upon all actors who have been using incitement and divisive methods against their rivals to rise up and stop the country from sliding into anarchy.

“The role of religious leaders is to give guidance in building a strong relationship with God, and for this reason, we expect all leaders to provide spiritual nurture when they come to church, regardless of their status in society. Those who will not abide by the rules will have themselves to blame,” Oketch added

The meeting was attended by Bishops and other clerics from ACK, RCAE, KAG, Friends, Holy Spirit, FACK, PCEA, SA Church among others.