If a politician is not busy dramatizing significant national issues in a rally, parliament or press conference, a preacher must be on the podium hypnotizing followers to senselessly empty their pockets in the name of kupanda mbegu. And talking of Kenyan pastors and their prosperity gospel, it’s always inevitable to wonder why certain verses of the Holy Bible are more significant than others, in the Kenyan context. Nevertheless, this is what makes Kenyan evangelical work the most intellectually hilarious comical act. Do you ever wonder why preachers can’t preach about morality and moral living? Please think about it.
There are uncountable numbers of pastors in Kenya who testify about shameless acts of murder, robbery with violence, adultery, irresponsible living and many other social ills. Perhaps, a morally conscious nation like China would use such personal revelations as evidence for prosecution and conviction of many of these individuals. But this is Kenya, a dramatic nation in the East of the Black continent.
Do you remember Kamlesh? It’s not a common name presently. By the way, it’s not easy to tell why. Perhaps you need to remember the Grand Regency grand corruption scandal to recall what Kamlesh means. He’s now a Bishop, or maybe he’s gone beyond this title to something like Pope Kamlesh.
What about Maina Njenga? I guess you know him. He’s also a man of God who still remains connected to the outlawed Mungiki sect, his former gang. Or so they say. And, trust me, this man has a huge following in his gospel ministry. Many Kenyan people really love him, and trust him too. He’s a man of God.
But, it’s not important to go on naming all the Kenyan men and women who symbolize evangelization and general gospel in this country. If time and space were lenient, we would reminisce the highs and lows of Kuna Nuru Gizani, JCC hype, and the powerful Prophetic works of the Mighty Prophet in this country, and many more. God willing, this will happen someday.
Now, everyone knows that close to 70% of church time is dedicated to dancing for God, collection of revenue and condemnation of the lost sons and daughters of God. The remaining time is set aside for worship, prayer, and teaching. Is this okay? Even those who dance secularly claim to be dancing for God. Really? And just like love turns everyone into a poet, Kenyan gospel gives almost everyone the gift of speaking in tongues. Drama, isn’t it?
And finally, having a lovely car, beautiful house, expensive dress and living life are not shameful acts. Being hypocrites is a shameful act. That’s why preaching aggressively about kupanda mbegu is not shameful either.
However, many preachers deliberately avoid giving moral teachings to their flocks. You know why? A pastor was recently reported to have impregnated his own daughter; a crazy man of God somewhere on the slopes of Kenya’s highest mountain was caught pants down with a church member’s wife; many of these men and women of God are the ones selling miracles to naïve individuals all over the country. And everyone has a uniquely absurd story to tell about the certain men and women of God in their most immediate environments. What is this madness all about, for Christ’s sake?
This is what nobody seems to think about: A man of God promises you to await God’s blessings. At that very moment, he entices you to bless ‘the man of God’. Simply, God blesses the congregation but the congregation blesses the man of God. People, wake up! It’s harsh reality out there.