NAIROBI,Kenya Nov 12 – The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has prohibited politicians from delivering political speeches in Catholic churches, warning against the growing use of religious gatherings to advance electoral interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The bishops said churches must be protected from partisan politics and remain places where Kenyans can congregate for worship without being subjected to political persuasion or pressure to support particular candidates.
Speaking during a press conference at the Cardinal John Njue Pastoral Centre in Embu, Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said the Church would not provide a platform for politicians seeking to popularise their political ambitions or solicit votes.
Muheria announced that the directive would apply to all Catholic churches across the country, with priests required to ensure that politicians do not use church services to deliver campaign messages.
“We are direct that there shall not be any political address given in any of our Catholic churches in any part of our country,” he said.
He directed Catholic clergy to enforce the position firmly, arguing that allowing political speeches during religious gatherings would undermine the purpose of worship and compromise the independence of the Church.
“We are therefore instructing all our priests to implement this position with the diligence and seriousness it deserves,” Muheria said.
