A lot has been said about religion in Africa, and how Africans are so addicted to spiritual and magical beliefs. There has been an overwhelming focus on the manifestations of religious fervour in Africa. Unfortunately, very little attention has been paid to how religions spread including the ways and means that foreign religions have managed to gain traction in the region. There is little information regarding the strategies that religions employ to get Africans to convert and change religions. Attributing the spread of different religions in Africa to gullibility is simplistic and ignores important aspects of this phenomenon. It overlooks what religious organisations do – and continue to do – to get Africans to change their religion.
The assumption that Africans are inherently religious provides no proper insight into how religions that once were unknown in the region, have over the centuries succeeded in replacing or sidelining indigenous belief systems. Put differently, the claim that Africans are notoriously religious as Mbiti noted has not adequately explained the pervasiveness of Christianity and Islam on the continent today. So it has become pertinent to ask: how do religions – to be exact foreign religions – grow, spread and continue to make inroads in the region?
To highlight this critical perspective, this piece describes the Free Eye Camp program, an event that the Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK) organised in November 2017. By describing this poster, the piece shows that the need mechanism drives the growth of religion in Africa. It argues that religions spread in Africa because religious organisations target the needy in the African communities. They stage events that aim to satisfy people’s health, educational, political, social and economic needs. By targeting the needy, organisations present their religions in a very positive and compassionate form to the people. They make their religions appear attractive and appealing. It is important to note that the need mechanism as discussed in this piece is not peculiar to Hinduism in Kenya or to the Hindu religion in general. Elements of need mechanism can be found in other missionizing ‘world’ religions such as Christianity and Islam-that are trying to gain ground, grow their membership and followership in various places across the world.
Hindu Council of Kenya: Their Mission
The Hindu Council of Kenya is an umbrella organisation of Hindus in Kenya that promotes the interests of Hindus in the country. Hinduism is a minority religion in Kenya and has been trying to gain more followers in the country. According to the 2009 census, there are about 53,000 Hindus in Kenya. However this number is disputed and is believed to be much higher, and up to 200 000. The website describes HCK as ‘A non-commercial organisation aimed at serving the Hindu community living in the Republic of Kenya in East Africa whose mission is to bring together all organisations representing various Hindu sects domiciled in Kenya and work towards strengthening Hindu culture and propagate the Hindu way of living which is based on the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence’. In other words, the HCK is a missionary organisation that is committed to promoting Hindu identity and religion in Kenya.
HCK has contributed to growing the social standing of Hinduism in Kenya. Formerly, Hindus in Kenya had been identified in the voters’ register as non muslims, but HCK lobbied and got the government of Kenya to reverse this policy and recognize Hinduism as a religion in Kenya. In accordance to its ‘service to the Hindu community’, HCK is assisting in developing a syllabus on Hindu religious education. It has also supported school feeding, water and sanitation programs, and other social welfare programs.
Free Eye Camp: Medicines and Medical Services For ‘Free’
The Kisumu branch of the Hindu Council of Kenya organised the Free Eye Camp at Uzima University Campus in Kisumu on November 19, 2017. The event was organised to deliver ‘free’ medicines, eye cataract surgery, reading glasses surgery. The poster of the event noted that ‘Doctors from Sabatia Eye Hospital’ would be offering their services at the event. Friends Church, a Christian missionary outfit, manages the Sabatia Eye Hospital. From the poster, there seems to be no indication of any underlying motives. The Free Eye Camp appears to be a magnanimous gesture from the Hindu community to cater for the medical needs of the people.
As stated on the poster, the Eye Camp services were for free. That means the organisers, the HCK paid for the services. So the beneficiaries would not be paying a dime for the medicines that they would receive. They would not be paying for the medical examinations, the cataract surgery, and the reading glasses. Many people across Kenya suffer various health challenges and are unable to address them due to financial difficulties. For instance, a pair of reading glasses depending on the ‘strength’ of the glasses costs between sixty to three hundred dollars and a cataract surgery costs much more. But the HCK is providing these medical services for free.
Kenyans’ reaction to the Free Eye Camps
Unsurprisingly, many people across Kenya view the Free Eye Camp positively. The poster that advertised the program has elicited positive reactions from online users. One Kenyan described it as a ‘great initiative’. Another commentator articulated the greatness of this program: ‘While politicians remain fixated on who should take the loot, faith communities are busy doing what they must DO!’. In a related comment, another Kenyan underplayed the religious agenda behind the Free Eye Camp program because according to her, ‘Muslims, Christians, and Hindus will benefit from this noble exercise’. Still another Kenyan concurred and said: ‘I find this a noble thing to do. Extend a hand to societal needs when need be. Isn’t that what humanity is about?’ (Emphasis mine)
From the comments, Kenyans largely regarded the Free Eye Camp as a humanitarian project without any hidden agenda. One Kenyan noted: ‘The Hindu society has been doing this for as long as I can remember and it’s always been a good thing because they reach out to the most unable of our society with these kinds of services…do good and let your deeds speak for you. You will always remember that person who did you good and their god might just be as selfless. You might easily forget words that were said to you if they were not accompanied by a deed of compassion’.
Indeed, Kenyans who have eye problems would turn up in throngs to the venue to access these free deliveries of treatments they may never afford otherwise. Blinded by the benefits, the attendees may end up embracing Hinduism; or at least they would speak glowingly of the HCK without paying attention to its Hindu religious and cultural agenda. Attendees may also overlook the ulterior motives and mission of the organisation and lack a clear understanding of the basic teachings of the Hindu religion such as the caste system. In fact, someone made a comment regarding the Hindu caste system: “I also met a Ghanaian who converted to Hinduism. And I asked: If you convert to Hinduism, can you choose your caste and can it be Brahman for starters?”
This is a question that the people of Kenya should seriously consider. Kenya is a free society and Kenyans are entitled to change their religion or beliefs. At the same time, the people of Kenya need to pay critical attention to the Hindu caste beliefs. Caste system is a practice that dictates the social and religious life of the people. It divides Hindus into four main groups: the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, with the Brahmins at the top and the Shudras at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The Dalits or the untouchables are considered outside the caste system, the outcastes. The Hindu caste system is a discriminatory and obnoxious practice that sanctifies social inequality, enslavement and degradation of human beings. Caste violence is a recurrent phenomenon in contemporary India. Kenyans should not allow such harmful religious beliefs and practices to gain ground in their society.
Providing ‘free’ services to the needy in the society is one of the ways that outsider religions such as Hindiusm have been marketed in Africa. Religious agencies extend a helping hand to persons who are in desperate need, targeting vulnerable persons who are not in the position to critically examine and explore their underlying intent and motives. Religious organisations present these missionising events as if they are strictly humanitarian and meant to address the needs of the people. However, the programs are part of the strategy to get converts and grow religious followership. Like HCK, agents of foreign religions have employed this strategy for centuries in promoting their interests. Christian and Islamic agencies have erected schools and hospitals where they provide ‘free’ educational and health services.
How the spread of Hindiusm and other faiths has impacted Kenya
These religious services have had a profound impact on Africa’s religious demography. Today, religion in Africa is an assorted tapestry, a competing spectrum of colours, a variety of hues. The range of religious forums open to Africans to use and exploit continues to grow. Agents of foreign religions have altered –and continue to alter- the African religious landscape using their growth strategy, the need mechanism. Missionary agencies present their religions in ways that needy Africans find difficult to resist or reject.
Some Africans end up abandoning their ‘traditional’ religions and converting to these foreign religions. Africans, who benefit from their ‘free’ Eye, ‘free’ Ear, and ‘free’ Nose camp programs end up converting. They switch to these service-providing religions and start worshipping these service-providing gods. Even though some of those who benefit from the services or their relatives and friends do not always end up embracing these religions that foreigners introduced, they would at least reckon with these ‘caring’ religious formations and whatever they stand for. Many people adopt religious dispositions that enable them to affiliate and disaffiliate, and be able access the free services of any religion that cares to extend a helping hand. This is how the need mechanism that religious agencies use contributes to the spread of religions in Africa.
‘Need Mechanisms’ and the Spread of Hinduism in Kenya
RELATED ARTICLES
Comments are closed.
Recent Comments
Man wanted for allegedly killing girlfriend and leaving body at Boston airport is arrested in Kenya
on
MCP’s machiavellian tactics exposed! Chakwera to pair with Nankhumwa through alliance in 2025 polls
on
MCP’s machiavellian tactics exposed! Chakwera to pair with Nankhumwa through alliance in 2025 polls
on
UN workers delivering aid to Gaza hospital describe ‘bloodbath’ in overflowing emergency department
on
Zambia’s Prime TV Investigative journalist Jubilee Malambo poisoned over sugilite scandal exposure
on
Of unnecessary noise on Nigerian Philanthropist Dozy Mmobuosi’ Malawi diplomatic passport possession
on
Of unnecessary noise on Nigerian Philanthropist Dozy Mmobuosi’ Malawi diplomatic passport possession
on
Malawi civil rights groups want guaranteed Bushiris’ safety from RSA Govt before extradition case
on
Malawi civil rights groups want guaranteed Bushiris’ safety from RSA Govt before extradition case
on
Malawi civil rights groups want guaranteed Bushiris’ safety from RSA Govt before extradition case
on
Home
on
Saulos Chilima is eligible for 2025 presidential polls, same way Justine Malewezi contested in 2004
on
Saulos Chilima is eligible for 2025 presidential polls, same way Justine Malewezi contested in 2004
on
Home
on
Bybit Revs Up Its Sponsorship Game: Backing Safehouse Racegraph in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia
on
Home
on
Home
on
Home
on
Home
on
Home
on
Home
on
Lazarus Chakwera demanded the release of Kalindo when he was accused of Insulting Peter Mutharika
on
Politicians appointing cronies to Malawi’s foreign missions: The case of Biblical speck in your eye
on
Former Nyasatimes Chief Editor Thom Chiumia jailed 10 years for babysitter’s sexual assault in UK
on
“The whole process to hire Godfrey Itaye was a mockery, maladministration”-Malawi’s Ombudsman report
on
Former Nyasatimes Chief Editor Thom Chiumia jailed 10 years for babysitter’s sexual assault in UK
on
Satanism? Malawi’s Living Fountain Church into Holy Communion of fresh meat eating, blood drinking
on
Law Professor Danwood Chirwa chides, “There’s no leadership skills in Chakwera, he’s all empty talk”
on
Amazing! Rwandan President Paul Kagame appoints 19-year Patrick Nkuriza as New Technologies Minister
on
Amazing! Rwandan President Paul Kagame appoints 19-year Patrick Nkuriza as New Technologies Minister
on
Amazing! Rwandan President Paul Kagame appoints 19-year Patrick Nkuriza as New Technologies Minister
on
Brown Mpinganjira uses another one of his nine political lives to once again rise as DPP spokesman
on
President Lazarus Chakwera should reveal the benefactors that bestowed him with two expensive Cars
on
President Lazarus Chakwera should reveal the benefactors that bestowed him with two expensive Cars
on
President Lazarus Chakwera should reveal the benefactors that bestowed him with two expensive Cars
on
President Lazarus Chakwera should reveal the benefactors that bestowed him with two expensive Cars
on
President Lazarus Chakwera should reveal the benefactors that bestowed him with two expensive Cars
on
Why I feel so strongly about counterfeit doctoral degrees in Malawi? – Professor Danwood M Chirwa
on
Selective Justice Under Lazarus ‘Kadingus’ Chakwera, Chanthunya and Kasambara running free as a bird
on
DPP/UDF Cadets twist Chilima’s COVID-19 message as Lilongwe’s Likuni crowd mega rally scares them
on
South Africa EFF leader Malema’s provoking question; Why are healing churches closed for covid-19?
on
South Africa EFF leader Malema’s provoking question; Why are healing churches closed for covid-19?
on
National Bank Supervisor Atupele Mwala deserves our appreciation for outstanding customer Service
on
National Bank Supervisor Atupele Mwala deserves our appreciation for outstanding customer Service
on
National Bank Supervisor Atupele Mwala deserves our appreciation for outstanding customer Service
on
No need to jump off the boat in a panic: Malawi’s Presidential electoral law 50+1, remains intact
on
DPP Mwanza West legislator Joyce Chitsulo accused being “traitor” for leaking Mphepo’s audio meeting
on
Malawi Government chastises Human Rights Commission on the premature release of the Nsundwe Report
on
Judges hearing the Election Case make colossal mistakes in ridiculing issues raised by MEC lawyers
on
Malawi Presidential election case update: MCP witness Bendulo unaware of original copy, carbon copy
on
Malawi Presidential election case update: MCP witness Bendulo unaware of original copy, carbon copy
on
Malawi Govt embroidered into MK1 trillion debt in five years.. but nothing serious to show on ground
on
Bizarre: Belarus’ toddler kills mum on her birthday by accidentally closing car window on her neck
on
Tanzanian govt to publish names of married men to protect single ladies from unnecessary heartbreaks
on
Tanzanian govt to publish names of married men to protect single ladies from unnecessary heartbreaks
on
HELP! I’m so confused – My Nigerian young boyfriend impregnated me and my daughter; What can I do?
on
HELP! I’m so confused – My Nigerian young boyfriend impregnated me and my daughter; What can I do?
on
HELP! I’m so confused – My Nigerian young boyfriend impregnated me and my daughter; What can I do?
on
HELP! I’m so confused – My Nigerian young boyfriend impregnated me and my daughter; What can I do?
on
Unknown thugs attack Malawian Ambassador to USA Sawerengera in Blantyre….rape two grand daughters
on
Unknown thugs attack Malawian Ambassador to USA Sawerengera in Blantyre….rape two grand daughters
on
Unknown thugs attack Malawian Ambassador to USA Sawerengera in Blantyre….rape two grand daughters
on
Losing political parties claiming to represent all Malawians is farce – Chatinkha Chidzanja Nkhoma
on
Losing political parties claiming to represent all Malawians is farce – Chatinkha Chidzanja Nkhoma
on
Losing political parties claiming to represent all Malawians is farce – Chatinkha Chidzanja Nkhoma
on
My Take On It: Malawi on sale, the will of voters is Tippexed, and officials financial gains rise
on
My Take On It: Malawi on sale, the will of voters is Tippexed, and officials financial gains rise
on
Dying horse Chakwera vows continue to challenge the court on Malawi’s presidential election result
on
Nsanje South West DPP aspirant Buluma admitted at hospital after being beaten for distributing money
on
Malawi2019votes:”Allow MEC to execute its role with deligence for credible results”-urges Chilima
on
Nsanje South West DPP aspirant Buluma admitted at hospital after being beaten for distributing money
on
“UTM Party is winning May 21 polls coz Malawians are satisfied with developmental agenda”-Chilima
on
UTM Party- Chilima Govt will not be responsible for Malawi chiefs’ elevation; Road to May 21 polls
on
Tragedy: Malawi’s Collapsed Bua bridge kills four MDF soldiers, two civilians; many soldiers injured
on
Tragedy: Malawi’s Collapsed Bua bridge kills four MDF soldiers, two civilians; many soldiers injured
on
MCP launches 2019-2024 Manifesto with hope for servant leadership…agent of change, transformation
on
UTM Party’s Usi disputes reports of abandoning running mates debate; Road to Malawi’s May 21 polls
on
Gasa Family appeals to Judge R. E Kapindu to reconsider revoking Bail for known Fugitive Chanthunya
on
Gasa Family appeals to Judge R. E Kapindu to reconsider revoking Bail for known Fugitive Chanthunya
on
Reverend Lazarus Chakwera surprised why his sincerity on the Bon Kalindo arrest is being questioned
on
Self-styled Prophet Shepherd Bushiri to meet Sanco as pressure mounts on him to leave the country
on
ECG Church services temporarily closed in RSA over Friday protest….Bushiri takes breather in Malawi
on
Chilima is not Malawi’s misery author neither Chakwera is not an existential threat to better Malawi
on
Chilima is not Malawi’s misery author neither Chakwera is not an existential threat to better Malawi
on
Chilima is not Malawi’s misery author neither Chakwera is not an existential threat to better Malawi
on
Fighting corruption: Philippines President Duterte Orders Luxury Vehicles Worth $5.5 Million Crushed
on
Malawi Police gives VP Chilima seven days to provide info on alleged spy “elections rigging” machine
on
Malawi Police gives VP Chilima seven days to provide info on alleged spy “elections rigging” machine
on
Malawi President Peter Muthalika must retire, let others take over DPP mantle before 2019 elections
on
Malawi President Peter Muthalika must retire, let others take over DPP mantle before 2019 elections
on
Malawi President Mutharika urges Lilongwe University of Agriculture graduates to become real farmers
on
Malawi Parliament adjourned sine die amid opposition dejected over Govt’s electoral reforms sabotage
on
Nyasa Times Managing Editor Thom Chiumia arrested in UK Accused of sexually assaulting babysitter
on
Nyasa Times Managing Editor Thom Chiumia arrested in UK Accused of sexually assaulting babysitter
on
Nyasa Times Managing Editor Thom Chiumia arrested in UK Accused of sexually assaulting babysitter
on
Nyasa Times Managing Editor Thom Chiumia arrested in UK Accused of sexually assaulting babysitter
on
Mutharika pleads for positive news about Malawi: ‘Journalists should not dwell on negative issues’
on
Aftermath of Bingu stadium tragedy: Manager Ning’ang’a takes responsibility, transferred to Karonga
on
President Mutharika back from successful two-nation Euro trip; highly optimistic about opportunities
on
President Mutharika back from successful two-nation Euro trip; highly optimistic about opportunities
on
Shame: 75% CHAM students fail nurse midwifery examinations, many unable to speak or write in English
on
Shame: 75% CHAM students fail nurse midwifery examinations, many unable to speak or write in English
on
Malawi’s Catholic Archbishop Ziyaye defies Vatican order on suspected priest over nepotism charges
on
Nicholas Dausi threatens to expose Chakwera’s evil secret if he continues attacking Pres. Mutharika
on
“Don’t worry about money, just get in and watch the game for free,” Police Officer tells supporters
on
Malawi Information Minister Nicholas Dausi ‘kills’ CEDEP’s Christmas message against Pres. Mutharika
on
Felix Jumbe speaks on life outside Malawi Congress Party: “My political career remains unwounded”
on
Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation launch $4 million toward controlling the AIDS epidemic in Malawi
on
Leaked email exposes Chaponda intimidating Malawi Veep Chilima: battle for DPP presidency gets nasty
on
Acworth United Methodist Church in the US donates 2 houses, relief food to flood victims in Chikwawa
on
Acworth United Methodist Church in the US donates 2 houses, relief food to flood victims in Chikwawa
on
Acworth United Methodist Church in the US donates 2 houses, relief food to flood victims in Chikwawa
on
Was Minister George Chaponda’s feud with Brian Bowler the reason he was shipped from UN to Brazil?
on
Was Minister George Chaponda’s feud with Brian Bowler the reason he was shipped from UN to Brazil?
on
Was Minister George Chaponda’s feud with Brian Bowler the reason he was shipped from UN to Brazil?
on
Mvera Support Battalion MDF Soldier Noel Kabango arrested in botched Nkhoma Chipuku armed robbery
on
Mvera Support Battalion MDF Soldier Noel Kabango arrested in botched Nkhoma Chipuku armed robbery
on
Ruling DPP turns to Livingstonia Synod after successfully planting puppets at Blantyre CCAP Synod
on
Malawi is Reaping from Kang’oma wetland despite adverse weather climate challenges say Face-To-Face
on
President Mutharika receives much applause from Malawians in diaspora on dual citizenship law review
on
First Lady Gertrude Mutharika dubs at Architecture ‘ Wants Beautiful Road Infrastructure’ in Malawi
on
Disgusting? Bail for Malawi Congress Party gurus charged with treason further extended to October
on
Ruling DPP turns to Livingstonia Synod after successfully planting puppets at Blantyre CCAP Synod
on
Malawi Parliament passes bill to have poor Malawians pay tax for land they inherited from ancestors
on
Panama Papers reveal many foreign companies with local Asian partners scheming the Malawi Economy
on
Malawi Parliament passes bill to have poor Malawians pay tax for land they inherited from ancestors
on
Malawi Parliament passes bill to have poor Malawians pay tax for land they inherited from ancestors
on
What a load of rubbish, hinduism has bought so much to this world, including yoga and great religious integration compared to the wars of christianity and islam