KENYA : The spat between the state and the religious leaders continues to widen as the Presbyterian Church weighed in.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) clergy have urged the government to cease intimidating churches in an attempt to silence them.

The clergies while addressing the press on Thursday, November 28, stated that PCEA churches have reported seeing strange visitors during church services.

“We are concerned by the way church leaders are being intimidated by security agents and strange people seen during church services. This will stop going forward,” the clergies said.

“This has happened lately when the church has become bad on government that’s when we have started seeing visitors. Of course, we need visitors in church, but we are concerned that some of them are not genuine.”

PCEA moderator, Rev Thegu Mutahi stated that such intimidation is very covert, adding that this has been experienced after the churches started to hold the government accountable.

“Church leaders and members usually know other church members but there are people who come to church, they don’t identify themselves, they are suspicious,” he added.

“They are trying kind of sending fear so that if am in a church and I would want to speak, when they look at me am very careful of what am saying.”

In terms of contributions, the clergy emphasized that the PCEA has been unequivocal about the role of politicians in the church.

“We stated before the 2022 general elections that we shall not allow our pulpits to be used for politics. We stated it before any other denomination, and we never sided with any political wing,” Thuge said.

At the same time, PCEA clergy called out politicians for using the church as a platform to showcase wealth through extravagant donations.

The clergy emphasized that while the church welcomes all members, including politicians, and acknowledges giving as an integral part of worship, it is concerned about the source and intent of certain donations.

“PCEA has many politicians who are members, and they are free to worship and give, just like all other members. What the church is against is the practice of splashing money around to show off,” said Thegu.

The clergy also expressed suspicion over the vast amounts of money donated by some public servants, questioning their sources of income.

“We know the salaries of public servants. When someone donates Ksh 15 million today and Ksh 20 million the next day, we wonder where the money is coming from. What business in Kenya, apart from politics, generates such wealth?”

They further criticized the practice of using the church to flaunt wealth, stating that most of the church’s support comes from “silent members who give without showing off.”

The clergy encouraged politicians to contribute modestly, just like other congregants, and refrain from using the church for personal or political gain.

Evangelical Churches Alliance of Kenya on the other hand, is asking President William Ruto to stop going around the country making promises at every opportunity he gets, arguing the head of state already has a Pile-up of unfulfilled promises.

The Church, urges the President to instead focus on fulfilling his Pre-election Promises and win some trust back on his commitment to deliver, alleging Kenyans are already tired of empty talk.

The Bishops, additionally called out the state for over burdening Kenyans with Taxes, asking the Kenya Kwanza Administration to ease taxation measures.

The Evangelical Churches, join other religious groups, that have recently criticized the East African Country's current leadership.

Earlier last week, a day after Kenya's President William Ruto worshipped at the Soweto Catholic Church, Nairobi Parish and Donated Ksh 2 Million to the Church to aid in Construction of A Bishop's house and Ksh 600000 to the Choir, The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi declined the contribution.

In a Statement through Archibishop Philip Anyalo, the Catholic diocese of Nairobi turned down all political donations, including funds already received and those promised to the Soweto Parish.

While refunding the Cash, the Archbishop stated that the Church must remain neutral and avoid compromising its integrity by accepting political contributions.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, reiterated the recent statements made by the Catholic Bishops, urging Political leaders to focus on addressing pressing national issues, like corruption, human rights and freedom of speech.

President William Ruto and leaders affiliated to the Kenya Kwanza administration recently went on an onslaught of Catholic Bishops in the Country following the accusations.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in a press release on Thursday, November 14, accused President Ruto's administration of fostering a "culture of lies." Sentiments, that the Kenyan Governorment has not taken lightly.

" The culture of lies is swiftly replacing integrity and respect. Truth seems to no longer exist in our politics, and Kenyans have unfortunately normalized these falsehoods,” the bishops said.

They also condemned the rampant corruption, unethical leadership, abductions, and killings, urging Kenyans to hold politicians accountable.

Responding to the criticism, Kapsaret Member Of Parliament and a Close ally to the Head of State, Oscar Sudi, accused the Bishops of Tribalism.

"It is dumbfounding to see Archbishop Anthony Muheria preaching the gospel on one hand and fanning tribalism on the other hand." Sudi Said.

" Muheria lacks moral authority to criticise the current regime because he is akin to doublespeak. The cleric is on record for backing the past regime even when it was clear it had failed Kenyans and must be bold enough to steer away from tribal politics." The Kapsaret Legislator added.

On the other hand, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot insinuated that the Catholic Bishop's, were attacking the president, because he doesn't belong to their denomination.

" I am struggling to recall the last time the Catholic Bishops issued such a scathing personal attack on the two former Presidents, who were incidentally Catholics" Aaron Cheruiyot remarked.

Uasin Gishu Women Representative, Gladys Boss Shollei, wasn't left behind either. The legislator has issued a warning to the Clergy, telling them to stick to Spiritual Work.

" For the bishops to stand up and make all manner of accusations against the government, I think it’s wrong. As a Christian and a girl who grew up in a catholic school, it was my saddest and lowest moment. I want those bishops to name the people who were killed, provide their identity cards, and tell us where the bodies were delivered for them to prove which cases the government is not investigating. We do not make blanket accusations against the government." She Said.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University on Friday, November 15, Ruto urged the clergy to ensure their statements are factual to avoid misleading the public.

“I urge all leaders, including the clergy, to work together toward building a nation we can all be proud of. Even as we discuss important national issues, we must remain factual to avoid falling into the same traps we accuse others of,” he said.

“In the Apostles' Creed, we all affirm belief in the one holy Catholic Church, even those of us in other faiths. I have noticed some churches lack adequately trained clergy. Tangaza University should consider offering training to clergy across denominations,” Ruto added.

Last week, Akorino church also weighed in.

The religious group condemned the government’s policies saying issues raised by the other religious leaders are genuine. They also urged the government to welcome criticism

“We stand in oneness and in entire unity with the entire body of Christ and the issues raised by the church. Firmly, we reiterate that the concerns raised by the Catholic Church and other churches are valid and genuine and they reflect the concerns of the citizens,” said Rev Prince Macharia, the Secretary general of the Akorino church Executive Council.