Religion and politics: examining the life and contribution of bishop alexander muge to the struggle for social justice in kenya in the 1980s; biographical and historical perspectives

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International Journal of Development Research

Religion and politics: examining the life and contribution of bishop alexander muge to the struggle for social justice in kenya in the 1980s; biographical and historical perspectives

Abstract: 

The late Bishop Alexander Muge, of the Diocese of Eldoret, made remarkable contribution to the struggle and attainment of social justice in Kenya in the 1980s. The unexamined life and contribution of Alexander Muge, who risked and eventually lost his life in the struggle for political reforms and social justice in Kenya in the 1980s under the regime of KANU Government, is the problematic area. Using a historical perspective and applying liberation/salvation theology as understood and used by Latin America liberation theologians and Black South African theologians, the paper examines the early life of Bishop Muge and particularly focuses on his contributions to political reforms, socio-economic empowernment of the society and the entire social justice issues. Right from independence the KANU government of Kenya lost its legitimate role and mandate of being a representative and responsive government whose chief function is to ensure justice for all citizens prevails. By the 1980s, the government had become so dectatorial that the issue of social justice in Kenya was of great concern. The clergymen, the Law Society of Kenya and the civil society spearheaded crusades against social injustices. The Anglican Church of Kenya clergymen led by Bishop Muge fronted the quest for social justice. Alexander Muge dedicated the better part of his priesthood life in the struggle for justice and good governance for the Kenyan society. In fact, it is believed that his death was an attempt by some powerful forces to silence the struggle for social justice. On the basis of full study findings of a Masters defense thesis, the paper argues and concludes that Bishop Alexander Muge left a strong and positive impact and legacy and that the many socio-economic and political transformations and changes that took place in Kenya from the early 1990s, just immediately after the death of Muge, had a direct link with the Bishop's struggle  for social justice in Kenya.

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