Gathaka, The Bible and Democracy in Africaon our nation. This is not mere sentimentalism. Rather, it is a prayer to
God, the creator of all, to send his blessings on our nation.’ He thanked
Parliament for setting a probe to inquire and investigate the murder. He
expressed his hope and that of the nation that the probe would be free of
all hindrances. He expected that the truth would bring an end to bicker-
ing and rumor mongering.
Gitari warns that the nation cannot claim to be God fearing when some
people are engaged in subversive activities like planting bombs which
kill people as happened on 1st March 1975. He deplores the assassina-
tion of politicians like Gama Pinto and Joseph Thomas Mboya. He re-
minds the state that it must keep its word by disclosing its probe on the
murder of Hon. J.M. Kariuki. We see in Gitari a bold prophetic ministry
and applying the word of God to challenge those in authority. While
explaining Matt.5:6 “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteous-
ness, for they shall be satisfied” Gitari does not mince his words. He elabo-
rates that Jesus meant that we must ‘have an intense longing for justice
and righteousness in the world and in every aspect of our national life.’
In the same vain as he expounds Prov.15:27 and12:20, he calls upon the
business community to avoid being tempted to make quick gain and
involve themselves in smuggling of goods. During that time corruption
and smuggling was the order of the day.
He also touches on the theme of peace and expounds Matt, 5:9. ‘Blessed
are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.’ He calls
upon all citizens to devote themselves to being peace makers rather than
peace lovers. He also implores the government to protect its citizens as a
duty in order that they may realize peace. In almost every sermon in this
book he has come back to this theme. Finally, citing 1Tim.2:1-3, he calls
upon the Christians to pray for peace in the world.
On unity he reminds the Christians that for a nation to be strong, unity
is essential. Unity, he explains must be based on love and truth. He
maintains that first there should be love for God and then love for the
neighbour.
On the theme of freedom he reminds his listeners/readers that freedom
does not mean one doing what he or she wishes to do but what one
ought to do. Freedom therefore has limits. But he reminds them true
freedom can only be found in Jesus (John 8:36)
He then moves to the concept of human rights and cites the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. He especially touches on the right