Catholic bishops in Kenya have been instructed not to allow political campaigns in churches.
The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Martin Kivuva on August 21 announced that politicians will not be allowed to use their congregations as a political audience.
“Let politicians attend and support church functions as congregants but should not be allowed to address congregations. We don’t want politics in catholic churches,” the chairperson of catholic bishops said.
According to the Bishop, politicians are now using the church as a campaign platform after the government ban on political gatherings due to COVID-19.
“Church leaders who want to become politicians should quit and avoid using churches as campaigning tools,” said Kivuva.
Martin Kivuva also gave his two cents on the Court of Appeal judgment that declared the Building Bridges Initiative null and void.
“As the Catholic Church, we were impressed to realize we all won after the court ruling on Friday on the BBI because no one went to the streets to demonstrate against the outcome,” he said.
Many politicians in the country have made a habit of visiting churches on Saturday and Sunday, to conduct their political campaigns in the name of fellowship.
Other than the Catholic bishops and their concern, politicians themselves have been exchanging verbal barbs over church campaigns.
ODM leader Raila Odinga is on record for attacking Deputy President William Ruto over church campaigns.
Raila Odinga called out Ruto for making huge donations in churches, challenging the source of his vast wealth.
“He wants to do harambees for women groups and youth groups with cash stuffed in sacks. He goes to church. Then they say he respects God. But he is coming with your money… He is buying you with stolen money. These are thieves who should be in Shimo la Tewa,” he said.
