Ole Sapit bars politicians from addressing faithful in ACK churches

ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. [File, Standard] In a move that has sparked praise and controversy, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has banned politicians from addressing faithful in ACK churches. Ole Sapit issued the directive during the consecration and enthronement of Ven Canon Jonathan Kabiru as the 3rd Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Nairobi at St Stephen's Cathedral in Makadara, Nairobi County, on Sunday. The Archbishop said the directive would be a permanent policy. "When the time comes to acknowledge those who have come, we will do that. I want to give direction from now henceforth, in any Anglican congregation and I thank God my bishops are here, there will be no opportunity for any political leader to give a speech in the church," he declared. He emphasized that while politicians may be acknowledged by name, if they wish to speak to the congregation, they must do so outside the church compound. "We will mention their names and wave their hands and if they so wish to speak to the congregants it will be done outside the sanctuary. Not only today but in all our dioceses and in all our churches," he said. Ole Sapit's directive is seen as a response to the increasing use of church platforms by leaders to promote their political agenda. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the influence of cash donations in the church. The Archbishop took the opportunity to address the issue of financial contributions, stating that any giving in the Anglican Church would no longer be announced publicly. "We want to declare it today that giving in the Anglican Church will not be announced but give as God directs you to give, for what you give to God you do not need to tell human beings," he asserted, reaffirming the integrity of church donations. While the move has earned praise from some faithful who believe the church should remain a place of worship free from political interference, others have viewed it as an attempt to stifle a specific political faction at a crucial moment. Leaders present at the event were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nairobi Governor Johnston Sakaja and several MPs.This is not the first time Archbishop Ole Sapit has spoken out on political influence in the church. In a press briefing by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), he voiced his disappointment over the acceptance of donations from political figures, citing the Bungoma bishop's controversial acceptance of funds from the government. "What happened in Bungoma was unfortunate because it was like a display of trying to see what will the Anglican church do following the decision by the Catholics," he remarked. Ole Sapit has also been outspoken on issues of corruption within the government, accusing all branches of the Kenya Kwanza administration-executive, legislature, judiciary, and independent commissions-of being tainted by corruption. "It is very unfortunate that every arm of the government; Executive, Legislature and Judiciary and even the independent commissions have been associated with corruption," he said.

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