Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua unveiling a statue of freedom fighter Muindi Mbingu in October 2016. [Photo: Capital News]
Governor Alfred Mutua has been accused of promoting idol worship in Machakos County.This is after Mutua, last year, commissioned three statutes in Machakos Town and its environs.The governor erected the statutes in the honour of freedom fighters Paul Ngei and Muindi Mbingu and of a Kamba political supremo in Nyayo's era Mulu Mutisya.But according to some church leaders and Christians, erecting the statutes heralds an era of idolatry.Grace House Worship Church Bishop John Aguda equated the statues to idols, claiming they were hampering the spread of the Gospel.In particular, he pointed out at Mutisya, saying he was a traditionalist who used to dance the Akamba Kilumi dance."Mulu Mutisya was a Kilumi spiritualist and you (Mutua) come to erect his statute here? We say no to idol worship. We worship the living God," Aguda said, as quoted by The Nation.The fiery preacher was holding a three-day crusade at Mulu Mutisya Gardens- where the statute is erected.Aguda said the gardens should henceforth be known as 'Jesus Gardens'.Governor Mutua, however, has dismissed the critics, terming them 'primitive and ridiculous'."Some of those opposed to having the statutes do not understand the value of heroes in our history. They should 'get a life'," Mutua said.