Former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were on Sunday denied an opportunity to address congregants during the consecration of the 3rd Bishop of the ACK Nairobi Diocese, Ven. Canon Jonathan, at an event held in Makadara Constituency, Nairobi County.
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) stated that political leaders would only be acknowledged but not allowed to address the church.
He explained that the church had resolved to keep politics away from the pulpit.
“We appreciate our leaders for coming, but as a church, we have resolved that politicians will not be given an opportunity to speak. They will be recognized, and that is enough,” he said.
The directive meant that Gachagua, Kalonzo, and Sakaja—who are used to addressing public gatherings—had to sit through the service without making any remarks.
Archbishop Ole Sapit emphasized that the church had made a conscious decision to separate religious functions from political activities.
While the three leaders did not publicly comment on the matter, the decision has reignited debate on the relationship between politics and the church.
In the past, many religious institutions have opened their doors to political figures, allowing them to address congregants during services.
