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Kakamega Diocese Catholic Bishop Joseph Obanyi leads his flock in a Christmas service at Kakamega Cathedral on December 25, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa/Standard]
Bishop Joseph Obanyi has imposed a ban on politicians addressing mourners at funerals conducted by the church in Kakamega and Vihiga counties, following a series of disruptive incidents at such events.
Speaking in Kakamega town, the bishop instructed priests to ensure that political figures refrain from using funeral services as platforms to promote their political or developmental agendas, which have led to disturbances during these solemn occasions.
Obanyi expressed his dismay over the rising trend of politicking at funerals, calling it an affront to the grief of the families involved. He urged priests within his diocese to uphold this new directive with utmost seriousness.
“It’s disheartening to witness politicians hijacking funerals, turning them into political rallies with no regard for the emotional distress of those mourning,” Obanyi remarked.
He highlighted the negative impact of political supremacy battles at funerals, which he said have led to chaos, violence, and additional suffering for families already grappling with loss.
“Funerals should be a time for families to honour their loved ones. Politicians should seek other platforms for their political activities and leave these sacred moments for mourning,” he added.
The bishop also appealed to the community to support churches in their development efforts, rather than relying on politicians for contributions.
“Our Catholic men must rise from their comfort zones and actively contribute to the development of our churches. We should not depend on politicians for funding, as they often use their contributions to boast and make political statements,” said Obanyi.
The bishop’s directive comes in the wake of violent incidents at funerals in Kakamega County, including a recent altercation in Matungu Constituency.
During a funeral service, supporters of area MP Oscar Nabulindo and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa clashed with supporters of Governor Fernandes Barasa. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in the destruction of property, injuries to police officers and mourners, and a hasty burial without a proper church service.
Obanyi’s announcement follows a similar stance by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which banned all political activities in its member churches, including speeches by politicians and announcements of their contributions.
The NCCK’s guidelines issued a day before Obanyi’s directive, specify that politicians should address the public or media outside worship services. Moreover, any monetary contributions from politicians should be treated like regular offerings and should not be announced with fanfare.
This move comes just a week after the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) took a bold step, barring the opposition leadership, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, from addressing congregants at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi. The ACK directed that this policy be enforced across all its churches nationwide.
In a statement issued in Limuru, Kiambu County, the NCCK also cautioned religious leaders against endorsing or opposing political parties, urging them to remain impartial and maintain an objective voice in political matters.
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The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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