Church denies Gachagua opportunity to speak from pulpit

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. [Boniface Okendo, Standard

Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has once again denied political leaders a platform within the church, reinforcing the church's position against turning the pulpit into a political arena.

During the consecration of Canon Gerald Mwangi as the third Bishop of ACK Mt. Kenya West, the Archbishop made it clear that politicians, regardless of their rank, will no longer be allowed to address congregants inside Anglican churches.

"We wish to welcome you (former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua) and your wife. It is not that we don't love you, but we have to establish protocol for the Anglican Church," Archbishop Ole Sapit said.

The decision, which saw Gachagua and his political allies asked to speak outside the church, mirrors a similar incident last week at St. Stephen's Church, Jogoo Road.

At that time, the Archbishop barred Gachagua and other leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, from addressing congregants during the consecration of Ven. Canon Jonathan Kabiru as the third Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Nairobi.

Ole Sapit reiterated that the rule applies to all leaders, including the Head of State.

"Even if the president was here, we would do the same. What happens outside the sanctuary will not be part of the church," he declared.

This policy shift comes at a time of heightened political divisions, with religious gatherings increasingly being used as platforms for political messaging.

By shutting out political speeches, the Archbishop is drawing a clear line between faith and politics.

"When the time comes to acknowledge those who have come, we will do that. But from now henceforth, in any Anglican congregation-and I thank God my bishops are here-there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church," he emphasized.

While politicians will still be recognized by name during services, their opportunity to speak will be limited to outside the church compound.

"We will mention their names, they will wave, and if they wish to speak to the congregants, it will be done outside the sanctuary-not only today but in all our dioceses and churches," Ole Sapit declared.

The Archbishop's decisive action signals a shift in the church's role in national discourse, seeking to reclaim its place as a space for worship rather than a political battleground.

With the political landscape increasingly polarized, his move is likely to spark further debate on the intersection of faith and governance.