Sapit mutes mic on politicians, church donations

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.

As the worshippers cheered, the Archbishop issued another directive targeting political leaders.

Read: President Ruto donates Sh20m to Roysambu church despite ban on harambees

“We have already declared, and we want to declare it today that offerings in the Anglican Church will not be announced. Just give as God directs you to give. When we give to God, we don't have to tell human beings what we have given him," he said.

After Sapit issued the directives, some of the politicians made their way out in the middle of the announcements.

Mr Gachagua and his troops left the church through the entrance gate while Mr Sakaja, MP Sabina Chege, Senator Veronica Maina and other leaders allied to President Ruto left the church using the exit gate.

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.”

The archbishop also cited the continued frustrations being expressed by university students over the new education funding model as well as the delay in disbursement capitation to schools.

Read: Catholic Bishops to politicians: Stop early 2027 campaigns

“The church will not be a place for politicians to advance their politic agenda. We are not targeting those who were here today, it will apply to all politicians who will be attending services in ACK churches,” he said.

At the same time, the archbishop said there is need fast track the process of hiring IEBC commissioners without any political interference.

The latest move by the ACK leadership comes as the church continues to be criticised for failing to take a stand against politics on the pulpit.

Recently, Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi came under attack from youths after President Ruto promised to donate Sh120 million for church projects.