Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Religion, politics, and spirituality have been closely interwoven in Kenya’s political process since pre-colonial times. In societies such as the Nandi and the Kipsigis, spiritual leaders had immense influence in giving counsel to the army whenever they went to war. In independence and post independence periods, the political class has always sought the advice of religious leaders from Islamic, Christian, and African indigenous religious faiths. During campaigns, members of parliament, and even presidential candidates usually seek spiritual intervention from the church, mosques, and even sorcerers to facilitate them winning in general elections. In the last three decades, there has been a mushrooming of Pentecostal African christian ministries/churches that have been at the center of Kenya’s politics and religion. One of the Pentecostal spiritual churches that has been at the center of spirituality related controversies is the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness led by Prophet David Owuor. The leader of this ministry is feared by the Kenya’s political class right from the presidency to the leaders of opposition political parties down to members of parliament. The church is unique in the sense that they do not accept donations and yet the leader is a billionaire. Ironically, the church is associated with spirituality related paraphernalia such as worshiping snakes. Its African spiritual leaders, such as sorcerers, use snakes in their rituals. This paper uses descriptive research design to address the issues of religion, spirituality, and politics in Kenya; and the use of African ritual practices in enhancing spirituality in churches