Today Kenyans have a new president-Elect — Hon. William Samoei Ruto.
However, nothing divides like politics, we’ve finally completed a contentious election that took place amid widespread rhetoric coming from bloggers, fake news, propaganda, name-calling, and reporting; factual or not, on various social media platforms and websites.
This election like any other previous elections brought out the worst in many of us, including Christians. We have found ourselves split down political lines. Some of our comments have been uncalled for, divisive, and to some extent sinful. The lack of a common voice among Christians during this election period is especially troublesome.
That lack of a common voice led the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit on Sunday, 13th August, to say, “We cannot pray for unity yet we are busy propagating division at this critical time that our country needs to be held together. There is no special person in this country in the eyes of God. There is no special community in Kenya and across the world. There is no special race. We are all equal in God’s eyes and every one is created in the image of God.”
His sentiments were echoed by the Chairman of Evangelical Alliance of Kenya(EAK) Bishop Dr. David Oginde. Through his Twitter handle, Bishop Oginde said, “At this time of high anxiety in Kenya, each of us should be cognizant that every word, every action, and every expression can spark an unquenchable fire. Consider carefully your intention. Calm the nerves don’t stir emotions.”
Why have we allowed ourselves to be divided by political systems, leaders or platforms? How do you pray, share Christ and make disciples when you are partisan? Why has politics made us forget that we are the ones who will continue to witness to the lost, minister to the hurting?
In a country such as ours, millions of voters went to the polls and voted out of principles and also out of personalities. But in all our self-righteousness, we can become the very things we criticize in others and not even know it.
Remember, your political candidate won or lost based on how Kenyans voted on Tuesday 9th August, but the church wins or loses based on how Christians love each each. We can disagree politically, but we must love unconditionally and pray for unity.
What happens now?
Now that elections is behind us and a majority is awaiting political analysts to tell us what happened and why Kenyans voted as they did. As Christians, it is scripturally incumbent upon us to pray for all our political leaders and those in authority even those with whom we disagree. We must remember the words of 1 Timothy 2:1 which says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
In this passage of Scripture, Apostle Paul clearly defined guidelines for us to follow that we may live peaceful. So before you start griping about a political leader or anyone else for that matter, first take time to think of reasons you can be thankful regarding that person.
Regardless of who is calling the shots politically, we as Christians can move forward to help heal our nation by seeking a balance of political engagement and faithful discipleship.
Finally, no matter who won or lost, whether you are in the majority or not, Kenya istahili heshima (Kenya deserves Respect) and our nation’s greatest need is true Christians who live the Bible.
