Catholic Church Announces Nationwide Ban on Political Speeches in Churches

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a nationwide directive prohibiting politicians from using Catholic churches as platforms to deliver political speeches.The announcement was made on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a press briefing at the Catholic Diocese of Embu, where the bishops are holding their Plenary Assembly.

According to a new directive, Catholic priests have been asked to prevent politicians and other political figures from speaking to congregations during church services or religious events.

Bishops have stressed the importance of following these guidelines strictly in all Catholic churches, emphasizing that it is the clergy’s duty to maintain the sanctity of worship spaces.

The aim of this decision is to keep churches from transforming into venues for political campaigns, party organization, and messages aimed at specific political groups.

However, politicians are still welcome to attend religious services as regular worshippers.

The directive makes a clear distinction between engaging in worship and using church gatherings as a platform for political messaging.

This announcement comes amid growing political activity leading up to Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly attending church services throughout the nation.

Church settings have often drawn political figures looking to connect with large audiences, which sometimes raises concerns about partisan remarks during these sacred gatherings.The new directive also underscores the Church’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers can come together without feeling political pressure or division.

While religious leaders continue to address national concerns like accountability, justice, peace, and good governance, bishops have made it clear that worship services should not be used as political platforms.

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