Over 100 religious leaders in Mavoko, Machakos County, have expressed their frustration with being utilized as political instruments while facing financial difficulties.
The clergy members, representing congregations from Athi River, Mlolongo, Kinanie, and Muthwani districts, reported their exhaustion from being summoned to political gatherings, only to receive minimal transportation compensation upon returning home.
On Sunday, they introduced Guza Mchungaji Welfare, a program designed to address the personal and familial requirements of pastoral workers.
“This establishment serves as a platform to unite pastors so that their fundamental needs can be fulfilled by authoritiesnot by negotiating pastors’ services to politicians,” stated Bishop Stephen Malonza, the welfare organization’s chairperson.
He mentioned that some religious figures had been persuading colleagues to participate in political functions, subsequently providing only travel reimbursements while the continued to endure hardship and economic challenges.
The collective addressed media representatives during the unveiling at Jesus Glory Church in Athi River.
Malonza explained that the initiative was formed after determining that existing combined prayer assemblies had failed to resolve the urgent matters facing the pastoral community.
“We have been manipulated by political figures. We have become vulnerable targets for brokering church support to benefit a select few pastors,” he said. “We have been traded like commodities to politicians to manufacture an illusion of backing.”
He emphasized that numerous clergy remained in economic turmoil, struggling with educational expenses and fundamental necessities, while elected officialsincluding ward representatives, Members of Parliament, the women’s representative, senators, governors, and the presidentassumed that religious leaders were adequately provided for.
“Those who organize our attendance at leader gatherings ultimately betray pastors,” he said.
“When funds are allocated to support clergy, they distribute solely transportation allowances and retain the remainder.”
He claimed that in certain instances, resources intended for pastoral workers were improperly utilized.
“When one million shillings are provided, they count the present pastors, give each one thousand shillings, and retain the surplus,” he said.
The clergy described community-level pastors as having no voice and being disregarded.
They maintained that the new welfare organization was not intended to undermine existing assemblies but to create a unified framework focused on reducing poverty.
“We aim to generate funds internally to provide funeral insurance for every pastor and ensure that anyone wishing to assist clergy contacts us directly through this platform,” Malonza stated.
He mentioned that the organization had scheduled activities and projects aimed at enhancing members’ welfare, including a health committee responsible for mobilizing resources for a medical plan and promoting enrollment with the Social Health Authority.
Malonza underscored that the initiative was not politically motivated.
“Guza is not represented by anyone outside this team. If anyone wishes to approach us, they should do so directlynot through intermediaries,” he said.
The religious leaders also conveyed their disappointment that certain politicians they had supported had not engaged with them in the four years since assuming office.