The Kenyan churches have ganged up against politicians who have been using pulpits to further their political agenda ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishop’s incoming Chairperson Archbishop Martin Kivuva on Wednesday, September 15, said the Church will no longer recognize politicians.
In a statement to the newsroom, Kivuva said places of worship are sacred and will no longer be platforms for mobilizing political support.
“We wish to firmly state again that our places of worship and liturgy are sacred and should not serve as political arenas,
“The Church is above politics. Consequently, we as clergy, and especially the priests, are to ensure that places of worship are not used by leaders to further their political agenda,” Kivuva declared.
Kivuva further stated that any politician who attends Mass must do so like any other worshipper and no special consideration should be made for him or her to neither propagate his or her political agenda nor address the congregation in places of worship.
Three days ago, the Anglican Church banned political utterances in church.
Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said political leaders had violated the sacred nature of the altar.
Speaking on Sunday, September 12, during the consecration of Rose Okeno as the Bishop of the Butere Diocese in Kakamega County stated that he would not allow any political comments in the church, adding that it is a no-go zone for political rhetoric.
“And from today onwards, I have banned politicians from speaking inside the Anglican Church. Even if you (the media) put your cameras there, they will not speak,” Sapit reiterated.
The ban on politicians from speaking in churches has since ignited sharp reactions from 2022 political leaders seeking various seats in the next General Election.
While it’s arguably a directive that will have a negative impact on all presidential candidates, political analysts Herman Manyora argues that Deputy President William Ruto is the biggest loser.
“I can see this thing affecting William Ruto much more because those on the other side have the government on their side. They can reach people through provincial administration including the chiefs and assistant chiefs,” Manyora told KTN News on Monday.
