Kenyan social media personality goes after clerics inviting politicians to the altar

After the pause on street protests, an influential figure on X has shifted his focus to Kenyan churches in a bid to rid them of leaders and politicians in a campaign dubbed #CleanTheAltar.

Mwambili Mwagodi, a hotel expert based in Mombasa, has kicked off the campaign which has seen him directly text or call church pastors and bishops and personally urge them to disinvite Kenyan politicians - including the President - from their functions.

Before the blitz, Mwagodi memorably traveled to Nyahururu from Mombasa in a bid to lead the Nyahururu Gen Zers in a protest against President William Ruto.

As Ruto was addressing the faithful at the ACK Nyahururu Diocese Church in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, the venue of a consecration ceremony and enthronement of Rev. Maj. Samson Mburu Gachathi as the 3rd Bishop of ACK Nyahururu Diocese, Mwambili led youthful protesters in chanting anti-Finance Bill 2024 slogans outside the venue after being denied access to the church service.

Undetterred by the intimidating presence of the Anti-Terror Police Unit, Mwagodi charged on, leading the protesters in fervent chants, causing a commotion outside the venue and even seeing President Ruto flee the area hurriedly and without addressing the locals.

Now, the hotelier-turned-activist has shifted his focus to online activism, gathering contacts belonging to various church leaders and directly warning them of entertaining politicians on their altars.

On Thursday night, he texted Reverend Simon Mutahi warning him of allowing First Lady Racheal Ruto on his altar, telling him, "I see you have invited Mrs. Rachel Ruto to your church for a fundraiser. First of all, the money is looted from the taxes I pay to this government of looters."

"The message is to notify you that we are coming for the fundraiser. God bless you".

Not too long after, Rev. Mutahi replied, "Good Evening Mwabili. Thank you for reaching out. Please note that the First Lady will not be attending the fundraiser. You are welcome to worship with us. Blessed night."

After further questioning, the man of God replied, "Please can you help me post the current position that the First Lady will (not) be attending? This was something planned long ago but has since changed."

Satisfied with the response, Mwagodi took to his X account to announce the results of his activism, winning plaudits from thousands of Kenyans.

"REVEREND MUTAHI has clarified that Mrs. Rachel Ruto shall not be attending the Lavington United Church Fundraiser for the new Sanctuary on Sunday, 30 June. Praise Jesus!" he wrote.

Soon after, he hunted down the contacts of Father William Kamau of Kaharati Catholic Church who invited Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to his church for a fundraiser on Sunday.

He texted him: "As Kenyans, we have decided to start a campaign to kick out politicians from the Church pulpit where they come to spread lies and insults and donate money which we are very sure is a product of looting of our taxes."

"This message is to notify you that we request you to cancel his invitation and if this is not possible then the Congregation on Sunday will not allow him to speak on the pulpit or donate these ill-gotten funds to the Church of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior."

Mwagodi went on to reveal that Father Kamau had told him that people like Rigathi Gachagua 'have businesses where they get money to donate to the church'.

Unshaken, he has now embarked on finding the phone numbers belonging to various other churches including that of the Deliverance Church, Kaplong, ACK St. Faith Ongata Rongai and Eldoret's Bishop John Kiprono Lelei.

Pleased by his work, one Kenyan wrote, "Whatever @mwabilimwagodi is doing to #CleanTheAltar is worth supporting. Share posters of those fundraisers that the church has invited politicians and their representatives. Tutamsalimia Bishop na tuitishe invite pia. 2 of them have cancelled already!"

Someone else wrote, "Mwabili is not infringing the right of association. He is simply following the example that Christ gave when he cleansed the Temple from traders. The church is not a hotel for saints and the moneyed! If Jesus beat them up, why not Mwagodi?"

And while reacting to criticism thrown Mwagodi's way, one Kenyan defended his actions, saying, "Mwabili is not going for the 'harmless believers'. He is gunning for the lying thieving murdering politicians who flaunt & use their ill-gotten gains in church, in cahoots with the clergy, to sanitise their image. These are the wolves in sheep's clothing that Christ warned you of."