By John Ikani
Governor of Nandi County in Kenya, Stephen Sang has ordered newly appointed county executives to donate a tenth of their income to the church on a regular basis.
Local medium – The Daily Nation reports justified the directive by stating that local churches require the support of leaders and the county government.
At the swearing-in ceremony of the executives which was attended by church leaders, the Governor was quoted as saying: “chief officers serving in my final term must act differently and work smart by paying back to society.”
It is unclear how the governor plans to enforce the order, but he has expressed his intention to follow up with the clerics on the records and names of those who don’t comply with the directive.
While tithing, or giving a portion of one’s income to the church, has been a longstanding practice in Christianity, there are differing opinions on whether it should be mandatory.
In Kenya, Governors and their executive staff wield significant control over public funds allocated for schools, hospitals, and roads.
Nandi’s directive is expected to raise questions about the separation of church and state and the proper use of public funds.
