Gachagua to churches: Please allow politicians to speak once again

 

Rigathi Gachagua speaking to a cleric

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a plea to the church to lift the ban on politicians addressing congregants during church services.

Speaking at St. Joseph of Arimathea Parish in the Diocese of Nairobi on Sunday, August 25, Gachagua suggested that the absence of political discussions in churches could potentially lead to misunderstandings on national issues.

He urged church leaders to allow politicians to address worshippers, who are also voters, in places of worship.

According to Gachagua, any politician feels quite uneasy seeing a microphone in front of them and a large congregation without being given even a brief opportunity to speak.

“When we try to bring up various topics in church, we are told that nowadays it's not allowed. So how will we manage? But Archbishop, as we approach the end of the year, perhaps you could reconsider, and if we are given a chance to speak on their behalf, we will show respect, just give us the opportunity,” Gachagua said.

“You know, when a politician sees a microphone and a seated audience and can't address them, they feel bad. But we acknowledge that we messed up. We brought inappropriate matters to church—insults, hatred, and bad language. And I think it is right that when we come to church, it should be solely for worship,” the Deputy President added.

Leaders in many places of worship banned political speeches in churches, especially after warnings from Gen Z youth to churches.

This demand caused many church leaders to become apprehensive about allowing politicians to address congregants in church.

BY  MOSES SAGWE