Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, along with other political leaders, faced a major setback on Sunday, March 16, when they were barred from addressing congregants during a church service.
Gachagua attended the Consecration and Enthronement ceremony of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Makadara.
He was accompanied by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The event attracted both political allies and opponents of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, creating anticipation over possible political statements.
However, the atmosphere shifted when ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit made it clear that politicians would not be allowed to speak inside the church.
“From today onwards, no political leader will be given a platform to address congregants in any Anglican church,” the Archbishop firmly stated. He emphasized that the ACK church would no longer tolerate political speeches during services.
“We will only acknowledge their presence by mentioning their names. If they wish to greet the congregation, they can do so by waving, but they will not be allowed to speak.
Any form of address must take place outside the church, and this applies to all our dioceses and churches from now on,” Ole Sapit declared.
Additionally, he announced new rules regarding church donations, stating that any financial contributions from politicians or other individuals would not be publicly announced.
“We have decided that from now on, giving in the Anglican Church will be done quietly. We will not disclose the amount donated by anyone. People should give as they feel led by God,” he added.
Following the directive, politicians at the event had no choice but to comply. Their contributions were accepted silently, with no mention of the amounts they had given.
Moreover, political figures in attendance received little recognition.
The Archbishop briefly mentioned their names, allowing them only to stand and wave before the service continued.
The decision by the ACK church to ban political speeches comes at a time of rising political tensions in Kenya.
There has been growing concern over the use of church platforms for political battles, particularly between President Ruto’s allies and opposition leaders.
Recently, Gachagua made controversial claims during a church service, alleging that President Ruto had auctioned the Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish investor. The government swiftly dismissed these allegations.
Furthermore, President Ruto’s frequent visits to churches, often accompanied by large donations, have drawn public scrutiny.
Critics argue that his financial contributions to religious institutions are being used for political gain, further fueling debates about the relationship between politics and the church.
The move by the Anglican Church signals a firm stance against political interference in religious gatherings, setting a precedent that other churches may choose to follow.
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