What was supposed to be a routine Sunday church visit turned into an awkward moment for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) enforced a strict ban on political speeches inside its sanctuaries.
Armed with his usual political fervor, Gachagua was left in disbelief and abruptly cut off the TikTok Live session. The former DP, who attended the Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru at the ACK Nairobi Diocese in Makadara, had hoped to address congregants as he had done many times before.
The former DP was accompanied by his ally, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Archbishop Ole Sapit, in his announcement, made it clear that politicians would only be acknowledged by name and allowed to greet the congregation, but they would not be given a platform to make speeches.
“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,” he stated firmly.
He further emphasized that any interactions between politicians and congregants would have to take place outside the church premises.
“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, not only today but in all our dioceses and churches,” he added.
Church and politics
This move comes as part of the church’s effort to separate religion from politics, an issue that has been a longstanding concern in Kenya. Over the years, churches have become frequent venues for political discourse, with politicians using religious platforms to advance their agendas. This practice has drawn criticism, with many arguing that religious sanctuaries should remain apolitical.
In recent weeks, President William Ruto’s substantial donations to churches have ignited controversy and public fury. On March 2, 2025, during a service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, Ruto announced a personal donation of Ksh20 million towards the construction of a new church building. He further pledged to mobilize an additional Ksh100 million from his associates to support the project.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I am unapologetic about giving to God, and I do it on the firm foundation of the scriptures.”
The President’s contributions have since drawn criticism from various quarters. A group of concerned citizens questioned the source of the funds and demanded that Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry surrender the Ksh20 million donation to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). They argued that accepting such a large sum without transparency could be construed as abetting potential corruption.
In response to the donation, a segment of Kenyan youth organized protests under the banner “Occupy Jesus Winner Ministries.” On March 9, 2025, police intervened to disperse demonstrators attempting to occupy the church, resulting in the arrest of 38 individuals. The protesters expressed their discontent over the President’s sizable donations amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Addressing the backlash during a service at AIC Fellowship Annex Church in Eldoret on March 9, 2025, President Ruto defended his actions, asserting that Kenya would remain a nation that honors God.
He also announced an additional personal donation of Ksh20 million to support the completion of the church’s construction.
“Those who are against the word of God and the construction of churches in Kenya will not succeed. They will not overcome us.”
In 2021, the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya spoke out against the trend, condemning politicians for turning pulpits into campaign stages. The association reiterated that churches should remain sacred spaces for worship and not be used as political battlegrounds.
