ACK Church Prohibits Political Leaders from Speaking During Services

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians were prohibited from speaking at an ACK Church service on March 16, as directed by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. The Archbishop declared that political leaders would no longer be allowed to address congregants during services, emphasizing the church’s commitment to neutrality amid increasing political tensions in Kenya.

On March 16, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, along with several political figures, received a significant setback when they were barred from delivering speeches during a church service. Gachagua attended the service at the ACK Church in Makadara, which also included Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, for the consecration of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru.

Prior to the service, many speculated about potential political discourse. However, the event’s atmosphere shifted when ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit mandated that there would be no public addresses by politicians within the church premises. “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.

In his address, the Archbishop emphasized that politicians are now prohibited from speaking in all ACK churches. He asserted, “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.” Further, contributions made by politicians would remain undisclosed during services, with a focus on direct support rather than public acknowledgment.

The Archbishop’s directives effectively neutralized the political influence during the event, as donations offered by political dignitaries were accepted discreetly without any announcements of their amounts. Political leaders present were minimally recognized, only briefly named by Ole Sapit, thus emphasizing the church’s commitment to maintaining neutrality, particularly in light of surging political tensions surrounding the current government.

This ban coincides with ongoing political rivalry between the Kenya Kwanza government, led by President William Ruto, and the opposition. Notably, Gachagua recently stirred controversy by alleging that President Ruto had sold the Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish businessman, allegations that have since been denied.

The decision by Archbishop Ole Sapit to ban political speeches within the Anglican Church marks a significant development in the relationship between religion and politics in Kenya. By restricting politicians from addressing congregants during services, the ACK Church aims to maintain neutrality and minimize tensions stemming from church-related political statements. This move underscores the growing necessity for religious institutions to preserve their sanctity in a politically charged environment.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke