Q&A: Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

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Christianity Today, April, 2008 |

Q&A: Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka

The vice president of Kenya since January, Musyoka ran for the presidency unsuccessfully in 2007.

Interview by S. Mairori | posted 3/14/2008 09:05AM

Related articles and links |

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You've come to office in a time of great political tension with about 1,000 killed in post-election violence. What are the sources of this tension?

The main source started with the constitutional referendum in November 2005. Our country voted between the Orange (for) and the Banana (against) the draft constitution. The draft constitution was defeated. I sensed tribal undertones then. The country was incensed against the domination of one community, the Kikuyu. In December, after the results of the presidential election were announced, there was an eruption.

How has the church in Kenya influenced national affairs?

The church is divided. Amazingly, the church is running the risk of losing its core mandate—standing for the truth in the spirit of Jesus Christ. But bishops have begun to preach healing and reconciliation.

Will the government support a formal reconciliation process similar to South Africa's after apartheid?

Yes, the process of dialogue has begun. But the topmost agenda is to bring a cessation of violence; and, thereafter, [to deal with] the substantive issues. It is very important for the country to know the truth about the presidential election, who actually won. A whole church was burned down together with believers. That itself is cause for investigation, how a place of worship can become a killing field. There may be those who want to repent, and they should be given that opportunity.

What sacrifices need to be made now?

I have no doubt in my mind God loves Kenya. But we will need to have leaders commit themselves to national peace and cohesion, and that can only happen in a new political dispensation, reflected in a new constitution.

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today's coverage of Kenya's post-election violence includes:

Post-Mayhem Woes | Tribal rivalries — including Christian-on-Christian violence — hamper healing. (February 1, 2008)

A Postcard from Kenya | A dorm parent at Rift Valley Academy on coping with the ongoing violence. (February 1, 2008)

Baptists Serve Kenya's Displaced After Post-Election Violence | Nearly 600 dead in clashes, and more than 250,000 ousted from homes. (January 15, 2008)

Air Support | Kenya's MAF director reports on evacuation and supply efforts. (January 11, 2008)

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April 2008, Vol. 52, No. 4

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 4 comments.

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Thomas

Posted: March 14, 2008 9:11 PM


This article lacks depth and substance. For a vice president, he should be more specific and answer the questions asked.

Mary	Posted: March 26, 2008 11:42 AM

This interview was very shallow, an opportunity for further name recognition for Kalonzo Musyonka nothing else. Bill Fitch, what your Christian Kenyan friends have told you is true. Kalonzo Musyoka is one of those people who misuses the Christian label. Through this whole ordeal he proved to Kenyans that he is a traitor, a liar, simply an opportunist who in my opinion needs a lot of prayers.First he takes the low road and rushes to joins a government that simply put stole the election, Secondly, he abandons his key supporters in ways that just leave you with a sick slimey feeling. Looking back, I think God used this opportunity to reveal to us who Kalonzo Musyoka is, for us to see him for who or what he really is; a heathen masquerading as a Christian. I for one believe that he is never going to be Kenya's President. If there is any lesson that was learnt through this whole ordeal just because someone says he is a Christian, talks Christianese does not a Christian make.

Dr Wangai M.D,PhD,MPH

Posted: March 15, 2008 1:41 AM

The Vice President is spot on. Indeed the tribal nature of the mayhem we just went through can only be healed by Divine healing and reconciliation that only the gospel supplies. Thats where spirituality comes in. We have had too much external religion. What is missing is internal spirituality. The internal pervades and influences the external. We need a new man inside of every man's suit! A new woman inside every woman's dress! A new person inside the external. That is the hope for Kenya. Fortunately, God is already supplying such grace in the nation. Healing and reconcilitation is under way. The Religious Leaders have publicly apologized to the nation for being divided and partisan. They have risen to the occassion to address the underlying spiritual infirmities: hatred, tribalism, envy, inequity, injustice and murders. Thats what will make kenya rise above the mayhem to greater heights. The pundits are wrong! Kenya will not be another failed state! Watch this space as hope reigns