Religious leaders hold a sacred responsibility- to shepherd their flock with integrity and truth. Yet, in Kenya, we have seen some spiritual leaders act in ways that starkly contradict their teachings. From engaging in scandalous financial dealings to sexually exploiting vulnerable congregants, their actions echo the hypocrisy condemned in Matthew 25. Instead of living as examples of Christ’s love, some have used their pulpits for personal enrichment, creating a culture where faith is weaponized for selfish gain.
Matthew 25 speaks of the faithful servant versus the unfaithful one. The faithful servant diligently follows God’s will, while the unfaithful one is cast away for failing to live righteously. Kenyan Christians must be vigilant in discerning whether their leaders embody true faith or merely exploit it. Are they caring for the poor, uplifting the weak and embodying humility? Or are they accumulating wealth, abusing their influence and living in excess such as having tens of unnecessary body guards, living in sparsely populated upmarket estates and having their churches in overpopulated middle class to poor estates, driving fuel guzzlers led by a convoy of other high end guzzlers and wearing the latest Turkish and American brand clothes while their congregants struggle? True shepherds of faith should reflect Christ, not corruption.
The prevalence of deceit among some spiritual leaders is disheartening, especially when their congregants remain blind to the manipulation. Lavish lifestyles funded by congregants’ hard-earned tithes, false prophecies designed to instill fear and promises of miraculous financial breakthroughs in exchange for money are warning signs. The Bible reminds believers to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and ensure that those who claim to represent God truly live by His principles.
Calling out hypocrisy is not an act of rebellion but an act of faithfulness. Jesus Himself confronted the Pharisees, who outwardly appeared righteous but were inwardly corrupt. In Kenya, it is time to separate the wheat from the chaff, ensuring that those who lead congregations are driven by a genuine commitment to God’s will, not personal ambition. Churches should foster accountability structures that prevent unchecked power and ensure that spiritual leaders serve rather than exploit.
Kenyans must also take an active role in strengthening their faith beyond the words of preachers. Bible literacy and personal devotion should be prioritized so that believers are not misled by leaders who preach prosperity while neglecting the Gospel’s true message. Questioning authority in faith should not be equated to lacking belief- it is an essential step in ensuring that one follows Christ, not a corrupt human figure.
At the end of the day, religious leaders who fail to practice genuine righteousness will face judgment. The time has come for Kenyans to demand accountability from their spiritual leaders and ensure that faith is not a tool for exploitation but a guiding light for true transformation.
