| dc.description.abstract | Since the colonial times, the Church in Kenya has been either directly or indirectly involved in politics and governance issues. Through its leaders, individual Churches and Church organisations, the Church has voiced its opinion on governance issues, with some Church leaders vying for political posts. This study endeavoured to find out Christians' opinion on the Church's involvement in politics and governance issues.
The study used a descriptive survey method. The researcher administered 400 questionnaires to members of the Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Valley Road. The key findings of this study established that most Church members wanted the Church to comment on politics and governance issues, but many were not for the idea of Church leaders vying for political seats. Some of the respondents said the Church's image and role of preaching the gospel were affected by its political involvement. Some of the respondents. also said they were influenced by their Church leaders' stand pertaining governance and political issues, with some admitting that they had voted no in the 2010 Constitution referendum because they were convinced by their Church leaders.
This confirms the two-step flow theory, which describes the power of opinion leaders in shaping the opinion of those they influence (Wahlstrom, 1992). This study recommends that Church leaders continue voicing their opinion on politics and governance issues, but should have adequate knowledge. The study also recommends that the Church and its leaders should be role models of what they demand of the government. | en_US |
