Search on Ifri.org

About Ifri

Frequent searches

Suggestions

Kenya’s Spiritual President and The Making of a Born-Again Republic: William-Ruto, Kenya’s Evangelicals and Religious Mobilizations in African Electoral Politics

Studies
|
Date de publication
|
Image de couverture de la publication
Couverture note Afrique
Accroche

Over the last two decade, the growing influence of Evangelicals and their leaders in electoral politics is one of the most significant developments in the East African region and the Horn of Africa. Their numerical and demographic growth seems to go together with their growing influence in these countries’ political scenes, especially in the spheres of electoral politics, society, and governance. 

Image principale
President-Elect William Ruto and other leaders during Church service at P.C.E.A Gathiruini, Githunguri, Kiambu County. September 20th, 2022
President-Elect William Ruto and other leaders during Church service at P.C.E.A Gathiruini, Githunguri, Kiambu County. September 20th, 2022
Nation Media Group
Table of contents
Table of contents
body

This paper examines the impact of Evangelicals in the region’s politics and the implications for democracy and public policy making, with a focus on East Africa. The Kenyan case study highlights new developments in the East African region. Using the Kenyan 2022 general election and an in-depth analysis of the relationship between President William Ruto and Evangelicals, the first section of the paper investigates the multifaceted dynamics between Evangelicals and Kenyan elites and tackles their recent engagements in electoral politics. It engages with emerging trends that shape not just Evangelical leaders’ relationships with African politicians but also theological fluctuations and religious factors that shape their political behavior, religious mobilization, strategies of engagements, and their influence on electoral processes and outcomes.

The role of the First Lady in religious diplomacy is detailed in section two, and the emerging shifts and tensions from historical, theological, and transnational perspectives are discussed in section three. The demonstration elucidates the complexities inherent in Evangelical political participation before, during and after election campaigns, including the tensions between religious values, civic responsibilities, and political ideologies.

By unpacking these dynamics, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between religion and politics in the African continent and offers insights into the evolving landscape of electoral dynamics in the East African region in particular.

Decoration

Also available in:

Themes and regions

Thématiques analyses

ISBN / ISSN

979-10-373-0930-3

Share

Download the full analysis

This page contains only a summary of our work. If you would like to have access to all the information from our research on the subject, you can download the full version in PDF format.

Kenya’s Spiritual President and The Making of a Born-Again Republic: William-Ruto, Kenya’s Evangelicals and Religious Mobilizations in African Electoral Politics

Decoration
Author(s)
Image principale
Subsaharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa Center
Accroche centre

Founded in 2007, Ifri's Sub-Saharan Africa center produces an in-depth analysis of the African continent and its security, geopolitical, political and socio-economic dynamics (in particular the phenomenon of urbanization). The Center aims to be both, through various publications and conferences, a space for disseminating analyzes intended for the media and the public but also a decision-making tool for political and economic actors with regard to the continent.

The center produces analyses for various organizations such as the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the French Development Agency (AFD) and even for various private supports. Its researchers are regularly interviewed by parliamentary committees.

The organization of events of various formats complements the production of analyzes by bringing the different spheres of the public space (academic, political, media, economic and civil society) to meet and exchange analytical tools and visions of the continent. The Sub-Saharan Africa Center regularly welcomes political leaders from different sub-Saharan African countries.

Image principale

Chad: from Deby to Deby. Recipes for a successful succession (2021-2024)

Date de publication
04 October 2024
Accroche

As in Togo and Gabon, the transition that took place in Chad from 2021 to 
2024 resulted in a dynastic succession. Mahamat Idriss Deby succeeded his 
father, Idriss Deby Itno, who was President of Chad from 1996 to 2021. While 
the majority of Chadians were hoping for a change of government, the “Deby 
system” has managed to hold on.

Image principale

The Influence of Strategic Subnational Diplomacy in International Relations

Date de publication
16 September 2024
Accroche

The international engagement of cities and local governments has increased and diversified recently. Mainly understood by the public as the cultural and academic ties cultivated within the sister-city framework, these connections now bear deeper and more strategic implications. 

Image principale

Gulf States: A Paradoxical Economic Lifeline for Sudan

Date de publication
09 September 2024
Accroche

For decades, Gulf states have provided crucial financial assistance to Sudan. Gulf interest in Sudan is driven by economic benefits and geopolitical competition, though each country has its own interests and approach. 

Image principale

Understanding Intermediate Cities in Nigeria: The Cases of Ibadan and Abeokuta

Date de publication
26 July 2024
Accroche

Nigeria is known for its rapid demographic and urban growth. 

Page image credits
President-Elect William Ruto and other leaders during Church service at P.C.E.A Gathiruini, Githunguri, Kiambu County. September 20th, 2022
Nation Media Group

How can this study be cited?

Image de couverture de la publication
Couverture note Afrique
Kenya’s Spiritual President and The Making of a Born-Again Republic: William-Ruto, Kenya’s Evangelicals and Religious Mobilizations in African Electoral Politics , from Ifri by
Copy
Image de couverture de la publication
Couverture note Afrique

Kenya’s Spiritual President and The Making of a Born-Again Republic: William-Ruto, Kenya’s Evangelicals and Religious Mobilizations in African Electoral Politics