Archbishop Sapit bans politicians from addressing congregants in Anglican churches
The ACK archbishop stated that political leaders would only be acknowledged but not allowed to speak inside the church.
Worshippers at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi on Sunday witnessed a significant shift in church protocol after Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit barred politicians from addressing congregants.
The move, which took effect immediately, saw former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja remain seated as the archbishop declared that the pulpit would no longer be a platform for political speeches.
More To Read
Speaking during the consecration and enthronement of Ven. Canon Jonathan Kabiru as the third Bishop of the ACK Nairobi Diocese, Sapit stated that political leaders would only be acknowledged but not allowed to speak inside the church.
“There will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church. We will mention their names; they will wave their hands. If they so wish to speak to the congregants, it will be done outside of the sanctuary,” Sapit said.
The archbishop emphasised that the directive applies to all ACK churches across the country and will not be limited to the day’s event. He further announced changes regarding contributions made in church, stating that donations will no longer be publicly declared.
“We have already declared, and we want to declare today that giving in the Anglican Church will not be announced. Just give as God directs you to give,” he said.
Wave at congregation
True to his directive, political leaders who attended the event, including former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, were only acknowledged by name and asked to wave at the congregation. Their donations were quietly received without public mention of the amounts contributed.
This is not the first time Sapit has enforced such a ban.
In September 2021, ahead of the 2022 general elections, he directed all Anglican churches to prohibit politicians from speaking at the pulpits. The directive was issued during the consecration of Rev. Rose Okeno as Bishop of the Butere Diocese in Kakamega County, where political figures including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi were also denied the opportunity to address congregants.
The Anglican Church’s stance aligns with that of the Catholic Church, which has previously enforced similar measures.
On September 15, 2021, Catholic bishops, led by Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Archdiocese, barred politicians from speaking during mass, emphasising that places of worship should remain free from political influence.
Archbishop Ole Sapit’s latest pronouncement reinforces a growing push by religious leaders to maintain the sanctity of churches and prevent them from being used as political platforms.
Top Stories Today
