Archbishop Sapit bans political rhetoric in ACK services, functions

Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has banned all political rhetoric in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and its functions across the country.

Speaking on Sunday at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi’s Jogoo Road after the consecration of Bishop Jonathan Kabiru Kariuki, the ACK leader said politicians are spewing hate instead of serving Kenyans.

He said that ACK will not be used to provide a platform for such rhetoric moving forward.

“Political campaigns never stop, from one election to the other. Most of the political heat we see with new alliances of late has to do with sowing divisiveness, not unity. As a church, we will not provide a platform for such rhetoric,” Sapit told reporters.

“Leaders need to stop politicking and serve Kenyans; 2027 is still far ahead. Can we see infrastructure development, functional healthcare and an implementation of all the promises we have been given time and again?”

The ACK leader told elected leaders to fix ailing government functions Kenyans have repeatedly complained about, such as the Social Health Authority (SHA) and education sector financing, “instead of wasting time on unending campaigns.”

At the same time, Sapit directed politicians not to announce contributions made to the church. This comes at a time when Kenyans are divided about church donations from political leaders led by President William Ruto.

A raft of political leaders attended Sunday’s consecration service but did not get a chance to give political addresses, as has been the case with other church services.

They include Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-Kenya Party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru Kariuki was consecrated and enthroned as the third bishop of Nairobi.