In Kenya, recent youth-led protests against proposed tax hikes have ignited significant changes within both the government and the Church, reflecting a shift in the country’s socio-political landscape. With more than 80 percent of the population identifying as Christian, including President William Ruto, the Church holds considerable influence. However, young demonstrators accused religious leaders of aligning with the government and using the pulpit for political purposes, leading to unprecedented actions and demands for reform.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, Catholic leaders responded to this challenge by organising a special Mass at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi to honour those killed by police during the anti-tax protests. Hundreds of young people attended, marking a significant shift in the Church’s engagement with the youth.
Weeks earlier, Sunday Mass was disrupted by Gen-Z protesters who felt the Church wasn’t supporting their campaign against the tax hikes. Bishop Simon Kamomoe addressed the congregation, acknowledging the Church’s shortcomings and urging the youth to stay committed to their faith while promising renewed support.
‘We don’t want to lose you, we don’t want to lose our young people,’ the BBC reported Bishop Kamomoe as saying, urging patience and repentance for any sins committed during the protests. His candid remarks highlighted the Church’s concern about losing touch with the younger generation.
The Mass, filled with spirited singing and boisterous cheering, was seen as a positive but overdue step by attendees. ‘I feel like for the first time, the Church is realising that the young people are serious,’ one protester, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC. Despite the Church’s efforts, many young people felt that the institution had long been sitting on the fence.
While the Church had lobbied against the tax bill, it was the overwhelming numbers of young protesters that forced President Ruto to abandon the new taxes. The Gen-Z protesters are now condemning the perceived cozy relationship between the Church and political institutions, suspecting collusion between Church leaders and the government during the protests.
The youth protests in Kenya have sparked significant introspection and reform within both the Church and the government
One significant demand from the youth was an end to the practice of ‘harambee,’ where politicians make large donations to the Church, potentially buying influence. This movement, dubbed #OccupyChurch, aimed to stop this practice. President Ruto himself supported this stance, stating, ‘We shouldn’t be using the pulpit in churches or in any other places of worship, to prosecute politics. It is not right.’
Following this, Ruto banned state officers from making public charitable donations, directing the attorney general to develop a mechanism for transparent contributions. However, critics point out that Ruto himself has used the pulpit for political messaging, blending religion and governance in his administration.
Reverend Chris Kinyanjui, general secretary of Kenya’s National Council of Churches (NCCK), remarked on this dynamic, noting that Ruto’s Christian narrative has made it difficult for pastors to hold him accountable. He observed that many church leaders behave like ‘shareholders of this administration,’ blurring the lines between church and state.
Despite the Church’s renewed efforts to engage with the youth, there is a palpable sense of frustration and disillusionment among young Kenyans. They make up the majority of the population and are challenging traditional power structures. The youth protests have the potential to reshape how power works in Kenya, with both the president and the Church now listening more intently to their grievances.
‘We are the Church,’ said Mitchelee Mbugua outside the basilica after the Mass. ‘If the Church shows that they don’t support us, we draw away from them. If there are no us, there’s not a Church. So, they have to listen to our grievances,’ she told the BBC.
Rev. Kinyanjui emphasised the fragility of the social contract with Kenya’s youth, acknowledging that the NCCK had been concerned about Kenya potentially following a path similar to Sudan, where youth protests led to a military coup and civil war. He praised President Ruto for defusing the crisis by backing down on the tax hikes.
Looking forward, Rev. Kinyanjui stated that the NCCK plans to adopt a more proactive and visible strategy in addressing societal issues. He recognised the Gen-Z protesters as a catalyst for this change, seeing their activism as aligned with the Church’s mission of social justice.
The youth protests in Kenya have sparked significant introspection and reform within both the Church and the government. The Church’s renewed commitment to serving the youth and President Ruto’s responsiveness to their demands signal a shift towards more inclusive and accountable governance in Kenya. As the youth continue to advocate for their rights and interests, their impact on the country’s future becomes increasingly undeniable. The Church and political leaders must adapt and listen to this powerful generation, ensuring their voices shape the nation’s path forward.
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