By Elizabeth Angira, DevReporter, Kisii County
The church plays a critical role in the society, subsequently influencing a nation’s economic development and social harmony.
The church also plays a vital role in binding and supporting a society.
When conflicts arise in the country, churches are expected to intervene and help in restoring peace and security.
Kisii catholic Diocese, Father Lawrence Nyaanga, says that religion has played a critical role and has been used as a tool for condemning social marginalization and political repression.
He adds that religion can influence an individual’s choice of the political party to supports or campaigns for.
“From the religious end, political views can play a role in a person’s religious conversion and thus people can change their religion to fit their political beliefs,” Says Nyaanga.
He further cites that religious mobilization is a key political tool and often used in supporting a particular candidate or in creating political parties that advance political ideologies consistent with members’ religious convictions.
Unity
Bishop Lawrence Omambia, a new apostolic in Kisii County, says that the major role of the church is to pray for the country, give advice to the public and intervene when the government goes astray.
Mr Omambia, says that churches are not supposed to take sides since their role is to advise the public to choose leaders wisely.
According to him, the church’s other major role is uniting leaders, both winners and losers of election competitions.
He cites an example of such an action when in 2021, the church united South Mugirango MP Sylvenus Osoro and the Kisii county governor elect, Simba Arati when they fought at the burial ceremony in Bomachoge Chache.
None biased
Mr Nyaanga states that, churches are not expected to take any political side or stand during elections. They must remain neutral and be the voice of the people in political matters.
He further says that churches are expected to act as arbiters, standing in the middle of all political parties and advise people accordingly, in order to bring peace when needed
“For example, during the post-election violence of 2007-2008, religious leaders were used to bring sanity to the country through religious teachings,” he says.
Agent of peace
Mr Nyaanga noted that, the Church is a key player in initiating peace and security, and in many instances they act as agents of peace as they mitigate to bring order and sanity in the country.
