Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other political leaders were banned from delivering speeches during an Anglican Church service, as announced by ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. The church has prohibited political addresses in all its congregations, emphasizing donation anonymity and limiting recognition of political figures. This directive aims to minimize political tensions associated with church services.
On March 16, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced a significant setback when he was banned from addressing the congregation during an Anglican Church service. The service, held at an ACK Church in Makadara, featured dignitaries including Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, attending for the Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru.
ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit announced a new directive, stating that no political leaders will be permitted to deliver speeches inside Anglican churches henceforth. He made it clear that public addresses by politicians would no longer be tolerated within their sanctuaries, emphasizing that politicians could wave at congregants instead, while speeches must occur outside the church.
The Archbishop further informed that contributions made in ACK churches will no longer be publicly acknowledged. Contributors will merely wave to the congregation, allowing them to give freely without public announcement. This directive was effectively implemented during the service, as political figures found their donations received quietly and without disclosure of amounts.
Despite the attendance of notable political leaders, Archbishop Ole Sapit acknowledged them briefly, yet the emphasis remained on the new regulations. The church’s decision comes amid ongoing political tensions between President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza team and its detractors, often exacerbated by remarks made during church services.
Recently, Gachagua made allegations suggesting President Ruto had sold the Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish businessman, a claim the government has firmly denied. Moreover, President Ruto’s notable charitable contributions in church settings have drawn criticism and scrutiny from political opponents.
In summary, the ACK Church has instituted a ban on political speeches during services, strongly enforced by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. This decision aims to maintain the sanctity of church gatherings amidst escalating political tensions. For politicians like Rigathi Gachagua, this directive poses a challenge to their engagement with the public within church settings, echoing a desire for separation between politics and faith communities.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
