Fiery Cleric Sammy Wainaina Says Clergy Are Kenya's Biggest Problem, Not Politicians: "Brokers"

• Anglican Church of Kenya priest Sammy Wainaina criticised fellow Kenyan religious leaders, adding that Jesus Christ faced strong opposition from religious leaders
• He claimed that the clergy, not politicians, were the root cause of Kenya’s problems, benefiting from corruption
• Wainaina accused religious leaders of exploiting religion for economic gain, both personally and corporately

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Fiery Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) priest Sammy Wainaina has called out fellow Kenyan men of God.

During a Wednesday, December 20 interview on Spice FM, the cleric pointed out that the Biblical Jesus Christ faced the strongest opposition from religious leaders.

Wainaina stated that contrary to popular opinion that political leaders are to blame for the country's woes, the clergy are the root cause of all problems in the country.

He explained that they benefitted personally and as a church from the country's corrupt system at the expense of Kenyans.

"The biggest group that Jesus faced was actually the religious leaders. You know, religion can be created in a way that it becomes economic; that people benefit. Is that the kind of gospel we want in Kenya? Actually, the biggest problem in Kenya is not politicians, they are the religious leaders. They benefit from this corrupt system at an individual level and corporate level," he said.

Wainaina on criticising those in power

Outspoken, the preacher stated that they must try a private mode of communication before speaking on a public platform to correct those in power.

He disclosed that he once told retired president Uhuru Kenyatta some of his misdeeds, adding that the former president would sometimes listen to counsel.

"How do you deal with the king; You can meet him privately. If he listens and changes, then that matter is done. I have done that in the past," he added.

The cleric said when all fails, then he has no choice but to talk on the pulpit, arguing that God gave them the power they have through his vote.

Wainaina slams Ruto

Earlier, Wainaina accused President William Ruto’s government of reneging on its promise to reduce taxes when they were campaigning.

Wainaina slammed the notion that the church ought not to question the government, stating that it was in the rightful place of religious organisations to criticise the ruling powers.

According to the preacher, the government was hiding in Christianity to conceal its evil ways, like corruption and silencing the opposition.