Catholic Church Issues Strict Directive Against Political Speeches During Services

The Catholic Church has banned politicians from delivering political speeches in churches across Kenya, as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the directive on Thursday, November 12, warning politicians against turning places of worship into campaign platforms as they seek support from voters.

The bishops said political leaders had several other avenues to communicate their messages to Kenyans, including media interviews, public barazas and roadside rallies.

“We are therefore reiterating and directing that there shall be no political addresses given in any of our Catholic churches in any part of the country,” the bishops stated.

The directive also places responsibility on Catholic priests to ensure the order is followed in their respective churches.

The bishops instructed all priests to implement the decision diligently and treat it with the seriousness it deserves. They made it clear that political speeches should not be allowed during church gatherings.

The church leadership maintained that places of worship should remain focused on their religious purpose rather than becoming venues for political mobilisation.

The move comes as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with religious gatherings sometimes attracting leaders seeking opportunities to address congregations.

Churches have in the past provided platforms where politicians interact with residents and make public remarks. The latest directive seeks to draw a clear line between religious activities and political campaigns within Catholic institutions.

The bishops also called on Kenyans to pay attention to the performance of their current leaders as they prepare to elect representatives in the next General Election.

They urged voters to make informed decisions based on how those in office have served them, rather than being swayed by campaign messages.

By directing priests to enforce the ban, the Catholic bishops have signalled that the restriction applies to all Catholic churches countrywide, regardless of the political leaders seeking to address congregations.

LINK: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129333-catholic-bishops-ban-political-speeches-all-churches-orders-strict-compliance?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=ME&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR8XCH06Wa51X2RCNrynZVqd2HcQ9-WL6isWEwWBEXeEMtmRvLgriG3nfEoehw_aem_zkD5MhRCW9nmRnQn2rUTdA