On Sunday, worshippers at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi were surprised when Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, the leader of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), announced a new rule: Politicians cannot speak to the congregation anymore.
This news shocked several important leaders who were present, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. They came to the service expecting to give speeches.
These leaders usually use church events to share their political messages, but during the service, they had to stay quiet as Archbishop Ole Sapit made it clear that the pulpit, where the preacher speaks, would no longer be used for politics.
“The church is for worship, not for political rallies,” the Archbishop stated. This marked a significant change in the tradition of ACK churches, where politicians often spoke to the people.
Many people in the packed cathedral started talking about the announcement, and it quickly spread on social media.
Some comments showed support for the decision, with one person saying, “Finally, a line drawn—church should be sacred.” Others wondered if this rule would last or if it was just a temporary action.
This decision comes as many people in Kenya are upset about politicians using church gatherings for their own agendas, which many believe mixes politics with faith.
Gachagua, Musyoka, and Sakaja did not talk to reporters after the service, but their assistants mentioned that they were not happy about the Archbishop’s announcement.
The Archbishop’s decision could change how politicians interact with one of Kenya’s biggest religious groups, the Anglican Church.
