Meru clergy and Njuri Ncheke ban politicians from addressing their congregation

Bishop Kiogora Magambo, at his Jesus House of Praise church office in Meru town. PHOTO: FILE

MERU: Another Meru church leader and a faction of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders have barred politicians from talking politics in churches.

Bishop Kiogora Magambo of Meru's Jesus House of Praise and the elders separately speaking in Meru, asked politicians to respect hallowed church grounds when they attend services.

Bishop Kiogora said while politicians are free to fellowship with others, attacking their political opponents when they are given an opportunity to address congregations, won't be tolerated.

He was the second church leader from the area to call for the same in recent weeks after presiding Methodist Church Bishop Joseph Ntombura.

Said the Bishop: "Mathew 21:13 says: Jesus said to them "My house will be called a house of prayer, 'but you are making it a den of robbers."

"We have people who support different political parties and persons in our services. It is wrong for some politicians to speak ill against others who are not there to defend themselves," he said, pointing out that is bad behaviour.

He added that politicians usually arrive late and leave church early, because they want to address as many people as possible.

"Politicians are our brothers and sisters, but they need to stop taking advantage of congregations we have gathered," said Kiogora whose services have been attended by Deputy President William Ruto and other senior local politicians.

 "People come to places of worship to find peace and for restoration. The pulpit is for the Word of God, not politics. We don't want to turn it into a platform for politics," he added.

The Njuri Ncheke elders faction led by Secretary General Phares Ruteere and chairman Paul Ithinkia who were meeting in Meru town asked politicians to respect hallowed church grounds.

"If they want to talk a bit of politics, they should request pastors to erect a tent outside the church. They can talk politics after the service, if any Christian decided to stay behind to listen to them," said Ruteere.