Evangelicals, follow Catholic, ACK on politicians
From left: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi on March 16, 2025 during the consecration and enthronement of Rev Jonathan Kabiru Kariuki as the Bishop of ACK Nairobi Diocese.
Before the Catholic Church took the bold step of barring politicians from addressing congregations and even giving back donations from politicians, churches, especially evangelical ones, had made it a habit to invite politicians to their churches.
Without most Kenyans noticing it, our religions and places of worship had stopped being places where believers seek solace and divine intervention to platforms for politicking and flaunting wealth.
It is therefore very fulfilling to hear that Archbishop Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has declared that politics will no longer have a place in the church. He said this in Nairobi after denying former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja a chance to speak during a consecration ceremony.
It was a bold move by the archbishop.
What surprised the worshippers and other Kenyans however was that immediately after this, the politicians streamed out of the church service. This is surprising because as genuine Christians, they would have stayed and worshipped with the others.
The Catholic Church was the first to declare that politicians would no longer speak in church. Now the ACK has done the same and other denominations should follow suit.
It is time Kenyans went back to the real meaning of houses and worship. Politicians and other leaders should attend church services in their capacity as Christians.
David M. Kigo, Nairobi
I totally agree with the decision made by ACK Archbishop Jackson Olesapit to ban political leaders from making political speeches in ACK churches.
Churches in Kenya have for many years been used by politicians as platforms for their campaigns. By doing this, they really show disrespect to places of worship. Many times, churches have been used for personal gain by politicians.
This should by the ACK church should be embraced by all churches in Kenya. Places of worship should be treated with respect and valued as a place that promotes national unity.
Munyane Edwin, Kisumu