NCCK says churches under its umbrella won’t allow politicians to address faithful
The directive stipulates that politicians will no longer be allowed to make speeches during church services and should instead address the public or media outside the worship sanctuary.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has banned political activities in its member churches, stopping politicians from addressing congregants or having their donations publicly announced.
The move follows a similar stance taken by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) recently when Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit barred opposition politicians from speaking at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi and extended the restriction to all ACK churches nationwide.
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Following an executive committee meeting in Limuru, Kiambu County, NCCK released a statement outlining eight new guidelines aimed at keeping politics out of the pulpit.
The directive stipulates that politicians will no longer be allowed to make speeches during church services and should instead address the public or media outside the worship sanctuary.
In addition, the council has instructed that financial contributions from politicians be treated the same as those from ordinary congregants. Such donations should not be highlighted or celebrated in any way.
The statement also urges religious leaders to remain neutral by refraining from endorsing or opposing any politician or political party.
To prevent politicians from being elevated above other worshippers, NCCK has advised against giving them exaggerated recognition during services.
However, the guidelines allow church leaders to use such occasions to present community concerns to visiting politicians, provided it remains within their areas of responsibility.
NCCK has called on religious leaders to uphold unity and ensure the strict implementation of the new rules across all congregations.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Sapit has since made it clear that even President William Ruto is not exempt from these rules, emphasising the need to maintain the sanctity of worship spaces.
Speaking during the consecration of Mt Kenya West Bishop Gerald Mwangi Muriithi at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri County, Archbishop Sapit stated that the new regulations apply to all political leaders.
Respect worship sanctuary
“We have said that even if the President was here, we will still do the same. Because we want what happens in the worship sanctuary to be respected, and other communication will be given out there because it would not be part of worship,” he said.
The directive has already been enforced, affecting political figures attending church services.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by his spouse Dorcas Rigathi, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, was among those restricted from addressing the congregation during the Nyeri service.
Archbishop Sapit clarified that the decision was not personal.
“It is not that we don’t love you (Gachagua), but we had to establish a protocol for the Anglican Church, that we will allow you to greet people outside,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto and his allies on Sunday attended a separate church service at African Inland Church, Jericho, Makadara, where he defended his continued support for the church.
“God has given me a chance to be a builder. And I have built many things. I’m working with the leaders of Nairobi. My aim is to build three thousand new classes for the children of Nairobi... building is part of me. I have built classes since I was an MP. I’m also doing a building at State House and in the process of building, we will also build the church because I’m sure that is the will of God,” he said.
Ruto was joined by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Makadara MP George Aladwa, among others.
Ichung’wah insisted that Christians should have the freedom to give offerings as they see fit. “It is up to me as a Christian to choose how to give, and I will choose to give openly,” he said.
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