In a campaign dubbed “hashtag clean the alter” and Occupy Churches, Gen Z protesters have been disrupting church fundraisers across the country, forcing organizers to cancel events where politicians were expected to attend.
The protesters, led by a man named Mwambili Mwagodi, have accused politicians of using taxpayer money to make donations at these events and have threatened to disrupt the functions if they continue to accommodate political figures.
In one recent incident, Mwagodi on June 27 sent a message to the pastor of Lavington United Church, where First Lady Rachel Ruto was expected to attend a charity event, warning that he and his colleagues would show up at the fundraiser.
“Good evening, Reverend Mutahi. My name is Mwambili Mwagodi. I am the person who started the campaign to get rid of politicians from the church pulpit in Kenya. I see here you have invited Mrs. Rachel Ruto to your church for a fundraiser…This message is to notify you that we are coming for the fundraiser. God bless you,” he wrote.
This was after the invitation card for the fundraiser circulated online, enraging Kenyans who are still grappling with the recent deaths of protesters shot by police during the Anti finance bill protests.
“The pastoral team and church leadership cordially invite you to a fundraising event to complete our sanctuary on June 30, 2024, from 10 a.m. at Lavington United Church.”
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“The Chief Guest will be Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya. Your presence and generous contribution will be highly appreciated,” read the invitation card.
Lavington Church Cancels the Event after Occupy Churches pressure
Following the incident, the church leadership has since issued a notice informing the public that the fundraiser had been cancelled.
“The leadership and pastoral team of Lavington United Church wishes to inform members that the fundraiser event scheduled for June 30, 2024, has been cancelled,” read the notice.
The Gen Z protesters have been vocal in their opposition to politicians’ involvement in church activities, arguing that the funds they contribute are siphoned from public coffers.
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The youth’s actions have forced the cancellation of planned fundraisers in several other churches across Kenya including ACK St. Matthews Cathedral in Eldoret.
They have been reaching out to church leaders nationwide, urging them to rescind invitations extended to the president and other politicians for their events.
The protesters’ campaign has gained momentum, reflecting their determination to eliminate political influence from church platforms.
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