Deputy President Kindiki urges church to offer respectful and constructive criticism of government

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on religious leaders to offer constructive and loving criticism of the government, as part of efforts to ease growing tensions between the state and faith-based institutions.

Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday during a National Evangelism Conference, Kindiki emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony between the Church and the government. He urged religious leaders to hold the government accountable but to do so respectfully and in a manner befitting their moral standing.

“Don’t talk to us as if, beyond offering correction, you have other motives. Your role should be to correct us and guide us back. We are a listening government we will adjust where we are not doing well and we will incorporate your views,” said the Deputy President.

He acknowledged the existing friction between the government and some religious groups, warning that such a situation is unhealthy for the nation.

“There is no contest between the government and the Church,” he said. “These are separate institutions with different responsibilities that should support not compete with each other.”

His remarks come at a time when divisions between religious institutions and political leaders are deepening. Some churches have banned political speeches and contributions from the pulpit in a bid to preserve the sanctity of worship spaces.