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Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has prohibited politicians from addressing congregants in Anglican churches nationwide.
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Ole Sapit stated that while politicians are not permitted to speak during services, they can address the congregation outside after the service. He also mentioned that their presence will be acknowledged, with the politicians standing and waving to the congregation.
Speaking on Sunday at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Ole Sapit emphasized that Anglican churches will no longer announce offertory collections. “When it’s time to acknowledge attendees, we will do so, but I want to make it clear that from now on, no political leader will be given the chance to speak in any Anglican church,” he said.
He added, “If they wish to address the congregation, it will take place outside the sanctuary. This will apply not just today, but across all our dioceses and churches.”
The Archbishop also declared that offerings in the Anglican Church would no longer be publicly announced. “Give as God leads you, and there’s no need to disclose to others what you’ve given,” he stated.
Notable figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, were present during the service.
This decision comes amidst growing concerns over politicians using church platforms to address congregants and publicly make donations, a practice that has sparked criticism from some leaders and members of the public.
This is not the first time churches have restricted political speeches; the Catholic Church has also previously banned politicians from speaking in churches. On September 15, 2021, a group of Catholic bishops issued a similar ban on political speeches in their churches.
