The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has officially barred politicians from addressing congregations during church services.
In a directive issued by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit during the consecration and enthronement of the 3rd Bishop of the ACK Nairobi Diocese Jonathan Kabiru on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral, Nairobi. He emphasized that no political leader will be given an opportunity to speak inside the church.
He made it clear that this directive applies to all Anglican churches in the country moving forward, adding that if a politician wishes to speak to the congregants, it will be done outside the church.
“I want to give directions that from today henceforth in any Anglican congregation there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church,” Ole Sapit declared.
“We will mention their names and they will wave their hands and if they so wish to speak to the congregants it will be done outside of the sanctuary not only today but in all our dioceses and in all our churches.”
In addition to banning political speeches inside the sanctuary, Ole Sapit also issued new guidelines on church giving, emphasizing that offerings should remain private.
“Giving in the Anglican church will not be announced just give as God directs you to give, for what we give to God we shall not tell human beings what we have given to him,” he added.
Ole Sapit vs politicians
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were in attendance when Ole Sapit barred political speeches in church.
Gachagua, who was live streaming Bishop Kabiru’s consecration and enthronement ended the live abruptly following Ole Sapit’s directives.
However, this is not the first time the Archbishop has prevented politicians from speaking during church services. On Sunday, June 23, 2024, he barred then-Deputy President Gachagua from inviting a politician to speak at the ACK Diocese of Nyahururu in Laikipia County.
Gachagua, who had initially been barred from speaking during the event, requested to have one politician speak during the church function, a request declined by Bishop Ole Sapit.
“Askofu nikubalie nikukosee kidogo. Kwa niaba ya hawa watu nipee tu mmoja, lakini huyo hawezi haribu kwa sababu yeye ni part of your clergy. Ni canon. Ni bibi ya bishop,” Gachagua said.
After the chance was denied, Gachagua was forced to invite President William Ruto to address the congregants who were attending the event.
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