Kirinyaga cleric denies faithful holy communion for failing to register as voters

Bishop Daniel Njagi has declared that faithful in his church must posess a voter's card for them to receive holy communion. 

A church in Kirinyaga is denying those who have not yet registered as voters the holy communion.

Head of Africa Revival Christian Church in Kirinyaga Bishop Daniel Njagi shocked worshippers, who had thronged Kangaita Parish on Sunday, with his unusual announcement.

"We are in an election season and unless all of us arm ourselves with national identity cards and voters cards, the country will end up being ruled by leaders who are not our choice," he said.

He said to ensure everyone fully exercise their democratic right, those who did not have voters' cards would barred from taking the Holy Communion.

The cleric demanded to first physically see the voters' card from any Christian who wanted to take the Holy Communion. Most of the faithful, however, said they were shocked by the development wondering why the cleric did not notify them of the requirement the previous Sunday.

"I'm one of those who skipped the Holy Communion since I did not carry my voter's card with me though I have already registered," said Damaris Wamutira.

Njagi, who is also the Chairman of the area Pastors Forum, said many Christians do not like participating in political processes, especially elections.

"We do not want our faithful to start lamenting again when an unpopular leader gets elected to a political position (yet they did not vote)," he said.

He said the order will remain in force until February 15.