Dismas Mokua: In Kenya, when you steal state resources, the church says you’re blessed
Governance analyst Dismas Mokua has decried the growing culture of incompetence, corruption, and moral decay that he says is being quietly supported by some religious leaders in Kenya.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Mokua said church leaders should be guiding society toward truth and accountability but have instead turned into safe havens for corrupt politicians.
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He reminded Kenyans how former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i had, in his tenure, warned citizens against electing individuals accused of fraud and criminal activity.
Mokua said the same moral warnings are being ignored today, with Kenyans continuing to celebrate leaders whose records are tainted.
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Leadership and moral failure
“In Kenya, when you steal public resources, church leaders will give you the middle seat and say you are blessed. What then is the definition of blessed?” Mokua asked.
The political risk analyst said the church has become part of the national moral crisis by rewarding those who exploit public office. He described a troubling trend where moral failure is not condemned but glorified in religious gatherings.
“In Kenya, what is wrong pays a lot. Kenyans reward what is wrong. Matiang’i warned Kenyans from electing alleged rapists and ‘wash wash’ people, and Kenyans went ahead and elected them,” Mokua said.
He further pointed out that many of today’s leaders, including some Cabinet Secretaries, lack humility and empathy.
“Kenyan politicians and CSs will keep you for hours and expect the audience to apologise for getting angry. We then wait for hours because they will give us Ksh 200,” he added, highlighting how poverty and patronage continue to shape the country’s political behaviour.
Remembering leadership with character
Mokua contrasted the current leadership style with that of former President Mwai Kibaki, whom he praised for integrity and long-term vision.
“The Gen Z are a product of a leader who had character called President Mwai Kibaki, who said we must have free education,” he said.
He explained that the values of honesty and service once defined national leadership, but have now been replaced by greed and self-interest
Mokua urged Kenyans to reflect on what kind of leaders they reward, both in politics and in faith.
“Churches must stop sanitising corruption and return to preaching truth,” he said. “If the pulpit loses its voice, then the nation loses its conscience.”
Mokua’s comments have since stirred widespread debate online, with many Kenyans agreeing that moral decay among leaders is being normalised by those who should be society’s moral compass.
