Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians were prohibited from speaking at an ACK Church service on March 16, 2023, due to a new directive from Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. This ban aims to preserve church sanctity and prevent political interference during religious ceremonies, with contributions remaining unacknowledged publicly. This decision reflects ongoing political tensions in Kenya.
On March 16, 2023, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other political leaders faced restrictions at an ACK Church service in Makadara. They attended the Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru, where they anticipated an opportunity to address the congregation. However, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit promptly announced a ban on political speeches within church premises, stating the necessity to maintain the sanctity of the church.
During his address, Archbishop Ole Sapit declared, “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 emphasized the complete prohibition of political addresses in the ACK Church, instructing that such interactions should occur outside the church environment.
The Archbishop further detailed that any contributions from politicians would not be publicly acknowledged, explaining, “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.” This directive effectively rendered political figures powerless during the event, as their donations were accepted without any announcement of their amounts.
In respect to the non-disclosure of donations, the Archbishop reinforced the notion that contributions would be private, asserting, “We have already declared that giving in the Anglican Church will not be announced. Just give as God directs you to give.” Politicians attending the event, including Gachagua, received only brief mentions before being required to wave to the congregation without further acknowledgment.
This ban comes amid heightened political tensions between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition and other political factions, particularly following controversial remarks made by politicians during church services. Recently, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto had made dubious dealings involving the Bomas of Kenya, a claim contested by government officials. Furthermore, President Ruto’s significant donations during church events have drawn scrutiny from critics, leading to increased calls for maintaining church neutrality.
The recent ban on political speeches in ACK churches marks a clear stance by church leadership to uphold the sanctity and neutrality of religious spaces amid escalating political tensions. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit’s directives reflect a commitment to ensuring that political matters do not disrupt spiritual gatherings, a decision supported by the need for separation between church and state. This action is particularly significant in light of recent controversies involving political figures and their activities within church settings.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
