By Dr George N. Areba
Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo is my man of the moment and hero. Though not of my faith, he believes in the God I believe in.
I wish all clergy were of such kind of moral standing. Perhaps heaven could have been nearer.
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Apart from turning down political gifts (freebies) last weekend, I remember he did the same in 2019.
That time, he turned down a Ksh5 million worth car from the then Deputy President Ruto (now President).
That time, Archbishop Anyolo only said one statement that stood out: ‘I don’t need a 5 million car, perhaps give it to an institution.” The interview was carried by the Standard newspaper.
Archbishop Anyolo explained that he was unsure whether the car was gifted in good faith.
Looking at the two incidences, it is clear that the church leader believes in this simple but powerful philosophy “He who pays the piper controls/calls the tune”. This means that the person who pays for something has the power to decide how it is done or used.
For example, a parent might use money to control his/her child.
According to Archbishop Anyolo, there is no way political leaders will heed the calls of the clergy if they are receiving money as ‘bribes’ from them.
Unfortunately, many religious leaders are accused of soliciting tokens from politicians especially towards campaigns as they flock to their churches in the name of prayers.
Such individuals seize and utilize the opportunity to seek favours and enrich themselves. They end up betraying the cause of their followers.
Archbishop Anyolo was born on 18 May 1956 in Tongaren, Bungoma, where ironically also Eliud Wekesa alias ‘Yesu wa Tongaren- who identifies himself as Jesus Christ, comes from.
He is the second of ten children born to Mzee Paul Anyolo and Mama Dina Nekesa.
Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo is a man of God that I am seeking just to hold his hand. He is an epitome of Moral purity.
May God bless his servant as he demonstrates spiritual sanctity to all and sundry.
-Dr Areba is a Senior Lecturer, Kisii University- Kenya
