Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged religious institutions to actively contribute to national development by empowering citizens, while maintaining a collaborative approach with the government.
Speaking on Friday during the Methodist Church Leadership meeting at State House, Nairobi, Kindiki highlighted the important role churches can play in shaping governance and societal values without being divisive or destructive.
“The church can correct and improve governance without necessarily being hostile, divisive and destructive,” he said, calling for a balanced partnership between faith institutions and the State.
Kindiki encouraged other churches in Kenya and beyond to emulate the Methodist Church’s model, which he described as going beyond preaching the gospel and converting souls.
He stressed that religious institutions should empower citizens to become strong people, who build strong families, people who are not just believers of Christ but givers, workers, savers and of strong character who can build their country at large.
He warned against religious practices that focus solely on moralising or quoting scripture without fostering skills, patriotism and civic responsibility among congregants, saying such approaches can inadvertently harm national development.
“Churches should continue partnering with the government to nurture citizens who can serve their counties and contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
Kindiki spoke when he joined President William Ruto, who was meeting with 600 senior clergy and lay leaders of the Kenyan Methodist Church, led by Presiding Bishop John Maromba.
The meeting aimed at emphasising collaboration between faith-based organisations and the government in promoting good governance and citizen empowerment.
Kindiki also reaffirmed their administration’s commitment to working closely with faith-based institutions in advancing shared development agenda while assuring them of government support.
