The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) clergy have strongly criticized the government for allegedly intimidating churches in an attempt to silence them.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 28, the clergy expressed concern over the presence of suspicious visitors at church services, describing them as attempts to intimidate both church leaders and members.
“We are alarmed by the increasing presence of strange individuals at our services, especially after the church has begun to speak out against government actions,” the clergy stated.
They expressed their worries that while churches welcome visitors, some of them appear to be agents of intimidation, making churchgoers hesitant to freely express their views.
Rev. Thegu Mutahi, the PCEA moderator, added that these acts of covert intimidation had increased as the church began holding the government accountable.
He described how unfamiliar faces attending services, who don’t identify themselves, create a sense of fear among church leaders and members.
“We recognize our congregation, but some individuals are not known, and their presence seems to send a message of fear,” Rev. Mutahi explained.
The clergy also addressed the issue of political donations in churches.
PCEA leaders emphasized that the church has remained steadfast in its stance against the use of pulpits for political purposes, a position they made clear before the 2022 elections.
“We do not allow our pulpits to be used for political campaigns,” said Rev. Thuge.
However, the clergy criticized politicians for using their financial donations as a means of showcasing their wealth and influence in church settings.
While the church acknowledges the role of contributions in worship, they questioned the source and intent behind some donations, especially those from public servants.
“When politicians donate millions in a day, we wonder where that money comes from. What business, apart from politics, generates such wealth?” said Rev. Thegu.
The clergy called for politicians to contribute in the same way as other church members quietly and without turning it into a display of power.
“We are not against giving, but we ask that politicians do so modestly, without using it for personal or political gain,” they concluded.
The statement comes amid ongoing donations by President William Ruto, who recently made a sh 15 million donation at an interdenominational service in Kericho County.
Despite some churches, such as the Archdiocese of Nairobi, declining his contributions, President Ruto remains committed to supporting the church, stating, “We give to God because He gave us first.”
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