Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians were banned from speaking at an ACK church service. ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit announced this prohibition during the consecration of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru, stating that politicians can only wave to congregants, with no public acknowledgment of donations. The ban aims to maintain religious sanctity and has surfaced amidst political tensions related to inflammatory remarks made by politicians in previous services.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, along with other political leaders, faced a prohibition on public speaking during a church service on March 16. Gachagua attended an Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) service for the consecration of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru in Makadara, accompanied by allies including Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. Amid this gathering, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit announced the ban on political speeches within church confines.
Archbishop Ole Sapit firmly stated, “From today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church.” He detailed that this ban applies universally across all ACK churches and called for the prohibition of political addresses within their sacred spaces moving forward.
The announcement included directives that politicians would not make speeches but could wave from their seats to acknowledge congregants. “We will mention their names, they will wave their hands…it will be done outside of the sanctuary,” he proclaimed. Furthermore, the Archbishop declared that contributions made within ACK churches would not be publicly announced, enhancing the traditional and spiritual integrity of giving: “Just give as God directs you to give.”
Politicians attending the event had their donations received quietly without acknowledgment of the amounts, adhering to the Archbishop’s guidance. The occasion saw political figures remain relatively unrecognized, with only a brief mention of their names during which they were instructed to wave to the congregation.
This ban occurs amidst ongoing political tensions between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza allies and opposing political factions, particularly linked to contentious remarks made in previous church services. Gachagua had controversially alleged that President Ruto sold the Bomas of Kenya to a foreign entrepreneur, claims that the government has since refuted. Furthermore, President Ruto’s significant church donations and his perceived defiance toward critics have also drawn recent scrutiny.
The recent decision by the Anglican Church of Kenya to prohibit political leaders from speaking during services reflects a desire to maintain the sanctity of worship and minimize political tensions associated with ecclesiastical events. The directive underscores a significant shift in church policy aimed at fostering a more apolitical environment during religious gatherings. As the political climate remains charged, this stance by ACK may serve to mitigate further discord between competing political factions.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
