Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah have endorsed the Anglican Church of Kenya’s (ACK) decision to ban politicians from addressing congregants in church. The directive, issued by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit on Sunday, aims to keep politics and money-driven influence out of places of worship.
Wamalwa took to social media to express his support, emphasizing that churches should remain spaces of worship rather than political platforms. “I support the decision by the ACK announced by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit during the consecration of Nairobi Diocese Bishop Jonathan Kabiru today, banning politics in the Church and announcing donations,” Wamalwa wrote on X. He further urged other religious institutions to follow suit, stating that the move would help prevent toxic politics and the infiltration of questionable funds into places of worship.
Senator Omtatah also backed the decision, sharing a video of Archbishop Ole Sapit making the announcement with the caption, “way to go.”
The Anglican Church’s new directive prohibits politicians from making speeches during services, instead allowing them to greet congregants by standing and waving. If they wish to address the public, they must do so outside the church premises after the service. The church has also stopped the public announcement of offertory contributions.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei echoed Wamalwa’s sentiments, stating that politicians have numerous other platforms to communicate their messages. “Let the worship places remain sacred, to be used for preaching, worship, and prayers only, without politicking that may desecrate the altar. We politicians have many forums to pass our messages, including—but not limited to—baby showers or bridal showers,” he said.
However, Cherargei also suggested that religious organizations should establish structured fundraising methods for building churches and other places of worship, rather than relying on political donations.
This landmark decision by the Anglican Church marks a significant shift in the intersection of politics and religion in Kenya. It remains to be seen whether other churches will adopt similar policies, but the move has already sparked debate about the role of religious institutions in shaping political discourse.
