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Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit during the consecration and enthronement of Bishop Jonathan Kabiru Kariuki as the third bishop of Nairobi, in ACK St Stephen's Cathedral, on March 16, 2025. Sapit has barred politicians from addressing faithful in church. [John Muchucha, Standard]
That churches are locking out politicians from speaking from inside places of worship is good news for faith practice. Let’s begin from the outside. Parliament has a golden rule that “no stranger” may enter when it is in session. Even visiting presidents and other dignitaries must have a special reason to sit in Parliament or address it. The very fact that Parliament, a secular public space, is given such importance reminds us that protected space has meaning. A symbolic meaning.
When politicians roam from one church to another, it tells of their intentions to use churches for political ends. Of course, anyone is welcome to worship wherever they choose. However, intentions matter. Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki had more or less known places where they would worship. Yes, they could go to other places, but it was outside tradition. And that is how it should be.
The current practice in which politicians market themselves in different worship places betrays their intention. They see the votes, not worshippers. They see a ready crowd to address, not people of God gathered to seek reconciliation and healing. They see a peaceful reception and not the union of hearts praising God. They see a religious opportunity to impress, not a place to humble oneself. They see an opportunity to get rewarded and not an opportunity to give without counting the cost.
For a long time, the differentiation between politicians who come like anyone to worship and politicians who are after opportunities to show their generosity has been blurred. But not anymore. Church leaders across congregations are beginning to recognise how far apart their openness to receiving and recognise important guests has been taken for granted. The leaders are stamping their authority on sacred space.
Churches need money to run their affairs. Their only secure source of revenue is the faithful. The more established churches have diversified their revenue streams to include some income-generating projects.
The temptation is to rely on politicians for support, especially on development projects. However, we are now learning from Donald Trump that external political support is temporary. Sometimes, it is very exploitative. It can also become very transactional. The pastors provide a platform for politicians in exchange for cash.
The recent strong stand by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Anglican Church of Kenya, led by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, among others, has reiterated that places of worship should be used only for the purpose for which they exist: Worship.
Just like Parliament, places of worship are symbolic. They signify the presence of the Higher Being: God. Besides, people go to worship places to find quiet from the many noises, including those of politicians who break hearts. They do not want to find themselves in holy places listening to toxic speeches, being lured to this or that party and being subjected to money-receiving ceremonies whose intention cannot be anything but voter-baiting.
By locking out politicians from using the pulpit for self-marketing, the bishops are telling their congregants that not everyone who comes in the name of the Lord respects the place of worship. They are also saying the faithful must not fall into the trap of losing sight of the Lord amidst temptations to find cheap money. Cheap can be more expensive.
Further, the bishops are stating that worship places equalise social status. Everyone makes an offer without raising an eyebrow. When more money means more claps, then the teaching, “give according to your ability” means nothing.
It is very encouraging to see churches protect sacred places from politicians and people who would respect Parliament but would not extend the same to holy grounds.
Populist politics is dangerous because, in appearing to do good and be with the people, some see pastors as campaign agents. In the name of religion, one can abuse a place of worship.
While church and state work together in many social sectors, spirituality and political action have to be discerned where they contradict each other. Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.
Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication
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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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