Religious leaders must stop being politicans' spiritual cheerleaders

Transport • Calls for the Nairobi-Mombasa highway to be made a dual carriageway ignore the fact that 50 per cent of bulk goods currently trucked by road should be on railway tracks, and pipes for fuel, notes Joseph Nthale. He adds that adhering to this would significantly decongest the highway for personal cars and light trucks. “The SGR cargo pricing should be revisited. Only the hilly sections require dualling.”

Fine puzzle • A regular commuter on Lang’ata Road, JA was recently penalised for not adhering to the speed limit. When he went to pay the fine, he was puzzled that although the fine is paid at KCB, the M-Pesa account provided is registered to an individual. “Could someone explain to me why the NTSA traffic fines go through an individual and not the agency’s bank account?” ([email protected])

Drop-outs • It is quite disheartening to read about the high number of students who drop out of school between national exams, says Joseph Macharia. “The reason is mainly poverty and the unlawful levies demanded by public schools. To solve this problem, the government should adequately fund schools and strictly enforce restrictions on fees charged by public schools heads.”

Advertising guidelines • The perimeter wall of the Wanguru Law Courts prominently advertises a paint company’s products, which is what you notice first, observes Michael Mbogo. “Are there regulations to guide advertising on government premises even if it is through corporate social responsibility arrangements?” His contact is [email protected].

Fake faith • Kenya does not need politicians who kneel before God on Saturday or Sunday only to trample on citizens’ rights on Monday, declares Yabesh Onwonga, adding that religious leaders must also stop acting as spiritual cheerleaders for the powerful. “Politicians, hear this: you may manipulate congregations, weaponise religion, and baptise injustice in holy language, but you cannot deceive God.”

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