The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Jackson ole Sapit, has banned politicians from addressing congregants in ACK churches.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka were on Sunday left speechless, quite literally, when the top leadership of the Anglican Church of Kenya denied them the opportunity to address hundreds of congregants at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi.
Normally, when politicians attend church services they are welcomed to greet and address the congregation.
That didn’t happen when Mr Gachagua, Mr Musyoka, Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, among other political leaders, attended the consecration and enthronement of Jonathan Kabiru as the third Bishop of Nairobi
Interestingly, the service brought together politicians allied to President William Ruto and former Deputy President Gachagua.
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Jackson ole Sapit dropped the bombshell in the middle of the service.
“I want to give directions that from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, and I thank God my bishops are here, there will be no opportunities for political leaders to give speeches in church,” Ole Sapit said.
“We will mention their names, and they will wave their hands, and if they so wish to address the congregation, it will be done so outside the sanctuary,” he said.
Addressing the media after the service, Archbishop Sapit said the same decree will be applied in Nyeri County, where a similar consecration service will be held on March 23.
He said allowing politicians to continue using the church to campaign for the 2027 General Elections would be unfair to Kenyans who are suffering from failing healthcare and education systems amid high taxation.
“Let them work for Kenyans. We want to see roads being constructed, medicine in hospitals and the agenda which they promised us working. Doctors are saying that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is not working. Instead using their time doing politics, we are asking them to go and ensure SHA is working.”
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