Goons banned from accompanying politicians to Homa Bay churches
A section of religious leaders in Homa Bay County has declared that it will bar politicians who are accompanied by goons from attending church services.
The leaders noted that some politicians had the habit of walking around with goons disguised as security men.
Led by Bishops Aloo Nyakoko and Elijah Kwanya, the clergymen under the umbrella of Homa Bay County Pentecostal Bishops and Pastors Unity forum argued that such goons usually cause commotion and divert attention of church members during worship.
Nyakoko said that there was need for political leaders to embrace peace and hygiene in their pronouncements during the electioneering season.
Bishop Kwanya said they made the decision to ensure hooliganism and violence do not occur in churches.
He argued that they had previously witnessed violence in churches in the county due to differences linked to politicians.
“Let’s avoid political violence in Homa Bay churches. A place of worship shouldn’t be a physical battlefield hence politicians are not allowed to attend churches with bouncers,” Kwanya said.
The clergymen also appealed to their colleagues who are not members of their organization to follow suit in implementing the decision.
“Some youth normally yell as they cheer up the politicians they support even in the church. They shout unprintable words to opponents hence promote division instead of peace and unity,” he added.
“Our unity forum appeals to politicians eyeing various positions in the county to observe discipline as they campaign. We support peaceful co-existence in Homa Bay,” Kwanya said.
Early this year, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in charge of Southern Nyanza Bishop Simon Onyango warned Homa Bay politicians against inflammatory statements as they look for votes.
“Don’t spread hate speech. You shouldn’t also use supporters to attack your perceived opponents,” Onyango said when he prayed for politicians at Homa Bay town ACK church.
