Kindiki says church and state are partners in nation building, not competitors
Kindiki assured religious leaders that the government would continue to work hand-in-hand with the church in fighting crime and social evils, and recognised the important role the clergy plays in shaping the moral fabric of the country.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims of tension between the government and religious institutions, insisting that the state views the church as a partner in national development and not a rival.
Speaking during the Africa Revival Agenda Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kindiki insisted that the government respects the independence of the church while working collaboratively to address the country's challenges.
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“There is no contest between the king and the prophet. Those two offices are two separate offices but complementary to one another, they are not in competition,” the DP said, referencing the roles of both state and church in society.
He stated that wise and God-fearing leaders always sought the counsel of religious leaders before making critical decisions, drawing from biblical examples to underline his message.
At the event, which brought together over 4,500 pastors and ministers from all 47 counties, Kindiki said the spiritual guidance and prayers offered by the clergy have played a vital role in keeping the nation on the right path.
“Through your prayers, our nation is in a better place. I pledge the support of the government for your ministry. We will continue to work with you in the fight against social ills facing our country,” he said.
Kindiki assured religious leaders that the government would continue to work hand-in-hand with the church in fighting crime and social evils, and recognised the important role the clergy plays in shaping the moral fabric of the country.
He maintained that the church and the state serve the same people in different capacities and should work in harmony.
“The church and State are separate. The vision, objectives and priorities of the state are completely aligned with those of the church. We see the church as a companion and a complementary institution that helps us in the struggle to better the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
The Deputy President also acknowledged that there have been instances where religious leaders have criticised political leaders, but urged that such corrections be offered with good intentions and not hostility.
“The Bible says there is no authority except that which comes from God. To say that is not to say you must not correct us when we go astray; please correct us. What we plead for is that you correct us in love,” he said. “Don’t talk to us as if over and above the correction you have other issues, your role should be to correct us and bring us back and we are a listening government.”
He also thanked the church for extending help to communities in remote areas, saying its role goes beyond preaching to include delivering humanitarian support where government interventions may fall short.
“The church has been at the centre of nurturing and building and fostering resilience among communities not just by preaching the gospel but through humanitarian and relief programmes in the deepest parts of the country,” he said.
Kindiki gave an assurance that the administration is committed to resolving long-standing issues faced by churches, especially those related to land ownership.
“I know many church congregations have issues about their property, issues about title deeds for the property they own. I want to assure you the government of Kenya working with your leaders will resolve as many of the issues that affect our churches that are struggling to get legitimate title deeds for their properties.”
The DP urged the clergy not to hesitate in engaging with the government and reiterated the administration’s openness to feedback.
“We are a listening government. We will adjust where we are not doing well and will incorporate your views,” he said.
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