Christianismes et démocratisation au Kenya

Abstract

The involvement of Christianity in Kenyan politics cannot be understood without considering the role it has played in the coproduction of the colonial and postcolonial state. Churches participate in the construction of both ethnic and socio-economic identity. This can only weaken their status as ‘moral referees’ in Kenyan politics. The emergence of new religious movements and unidentified politico-religious objects alters the way religion plays the political game. In addition, the neotraditional politico-religious movements – a synthesis of the influences of Christianity and of supposedly ‘traditional’ religions – induce the milicialization of political life with its cortege of popular violence and abuse. The ‘liturgical’ call to a reinvented tradition reveals a new set of ethnic identities. As can be seen, Christianity and democratization in Kenya continue their dangerous tango, in which they are creating new steps.