Religious leaders in Teso North have come out to defend President William Ruto on church donations.
They said those against harambees come from churches which have modern infrastructure and a working congregation that supports the church operations fully, unlike those churches operating in less privileged areas where 90 per cent of congregants live in abject poverty.
The clergy, led by Bishop Micheal Kinoo of Full Gospel Church, said that they would defy the directive by other religious leaders and invite all political leaders to support the work of spreading the gospel.
They noted that Kenya is established on the foundation of harambee.
“The churches which can self-sustain do not understand the struggles we face. Their congregations are able to support their churches without external help, but here, in Teso North, most of our members struggle to make ends meet. Without support from well-wishers, including political leaders, it would be impossible to run our church activities,” Kinoo said.
The sentiments were echoed by Bishop Moses Wangila of Church of Christ, who said that Busia clergy were operating in hardship conditions ranging from floods and a high poverty index, hence needed support to upgrade the state of the church.
“Our churches are in dire need. Many have been affected by flooding, and congregants barely have enough to sustain their families, let alone contribute to church development. Without harambees, our churches would remain in poor conditions, and our ability to spread the gospel would be severely hindered,” Wangila said.
The religious leaders spoke during their quarterly meeting at ACK St Thomas Amagoro, where they hosted members of the G-7, led by Charles Cheseto.
During the meeting, plans were made to organise a major harambee for all churches in the Teso region, with President Ruto set to attend as the chief guest.
The comments by the clerics have come amidst the national debate about the extent to which politicians should be involved in fundraising activities in churches.
Such criticisms are being advanced by some religious leaders that these fundraising forums may give undue influence to politicians over houses of worship.
The clergy from Teso North, however, insist that the urgent financial needs of their churches outweigh such concerns.
“The church should not be alienated from government and other leaders who want to come in to assist. We will continue inviting all political leaders to support the church in whatever way they can,” Bishop Kinoo stated.
In the upcoming harambee, the religious leaders are hoping to raise a substantial amount of money for the region’s churches.
They said that the church continued to be a key pillar in community development and spiritual advice, and urged all well-wishers, including politicians and business leaders, to support the cause.
