Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, has called for a spiritual cleansing of Parliament following a violent invasion in June that left a lasting scar on the nation’s psyche. Speaking during a public engagement in Muhoroni, Ichung’wah emphasized the need for collective healing and a proactive approach to prevent future unrest.
“I will speak to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to explore how we can collaborate with religious leaders to sanctify the house after what transpired in June,” Ichung’wah said, highlighting the profound impact of the chaotic events.
The June Invasion: A Wake-Up Call
The Gen Z-led anti-tax bill protests earlier this year culminated in a shocking raid on Parliament. What began as peaceful demonstrations devolved into chaos, resulting in bloodshed and widespread condemnation. The incident not only shook the legislative institution but also underscored deep societal rifts that need addressing.
Ichung’wah revealed that several church leaders had expressed concerns about the moral and spiritual direction of the nation. These leaders, he said, have called for prayers to sanctify the institution and restore its dignity.
“We pray that such incidents may never happen again in the history of our country,” Ichung’wah remarked, stressing the need for spiritual and moral rejuvenation within the corridors of power.
Criticism of Church and Parenting Roles
Reflecting on the protests, Ichung’wah was critical of the role some church leaders played during the crisis. He accused them of abandoning their spiritual mandate and delving into politics.
“At that time, many of our church leaders abandoned their duty to guide us in a godly manner. They became more political than the politicians,” he said.
Ichung’wah’s remarks pointed to what he described as a broader failure of societal institutions, particularly the church and family units, to guide the youth during turbulent times.
“As parents, we must set good examples for our children. The chaos we saw involving our youth this year was a failure not only of parenting but also of the church,” he stated, lamenting the harsh language and disruptive behavior exhibited during the protests.
The Role of Gen Z in Political Activism
The involvement of young people, particularly Generation Z, in the anti-tax bill protests has been a double-edged sword. While their activism highlighted important societal issues, the methods and language used drew criticism from Ichung’wah and others.
“Some of the words those children used against leaders and even their parents are unimaginable for those of us who grew up in earlier generations,” he said.
Ichung’wah’s comments serve as a call to action for parents, educators, and religious leaders to instill values of respect and constructive engagement in the youth.
A Path Toward Healing and Unity
Ichung’wah urged collective action from all sectors of society to ensure such incidents do not recur. He called for moral and spiritual rejuvenation as essential steps toward healing the nation.
“It is not enough to point fingers. We must all take responsibility parents, religious institutions, and society at large to guide our youth and build a nation rooted in unity and respect,” he emphasized.
The Majority Leader’s proposal to involve religious leaders in cleansing Parliament represents more than a symbolic gesture. It underscores a desire to address the underlying spiritual and moral fractures exposed by the protests.
As Kenya continues to grapple with political and social challenges, Ichung’wah’s call for national healing and unity resonates as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold peace, respect, and dialogue. Whether his proposal to sanctify Parliament through prayers will materialize remains to be seen, but the sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need for deeper societal reflection.
