The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has called on the clergy to follow guidelines issued by the Council’s Executive Committee.
In a statement issued on November 12, NCCK asked church leaders to enforce, among other guidelines, the rule requiring churches to treat politicians in church like other worshippers.
As part of the guidelines, NCCK also reminded the clergy to refrain from announcing contributions made by politicians in church.
Additionally, church leaders were reminded that politicians are not permitted to address congregants in churches.
The body has also urged the clergy to comply and count all contributions by politicians as usual church offerings.
“On our part, we call upon our fellow clergy to adhere to the guidelines that were issued by the Executive Committee of the NCCK on ministering to politicians,” read part of the press release.
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Keep Politics Off the Pulpit
The guidelines also stipulate that politicians should be vigilant and engage with people outside the church building, only after the worship service has concluded.
The NCCK also expects church leaders to remain objective and non-partisan, avoiding endorsement or opposition to any political leader or party.
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Stop Inciting Kenyans
Moreover, the body expressed concern that politicians across the board are embarking on intensive early campaigns. The council noted that hate speech is spreading rapidly, with insults and incitements being spewed out publicly, even in churches.
“We have noted with concern that politicians across the board have embarked on intensive early campaigns even though the 2027 elections are still two years away. The hate speech, insults and incitement being spewed out in public rallies, funerals, social media, and even in churches are damaging national cohesion and threatening the peace of our nation. We demand an immediate stop to these divisive campaigns and incitements.”
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Address non-communicable diseases
NCCK has also called on the government of Kenya to address the issue of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart diseases, which they noted come due to continued exposure to uncontrolled marketing and mislabeling of ultra-processed foods containing high sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
The body urged the government to declare non-communicable diseases a national emergency, which would allow for adequate attention and resource allocation.
NCCK also recommended the introduction of regulations and laws to mandate the inclusion of Front of Pack Warning Labels, which would help Kenyans make informed decisions when purchasing products high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
The Council further urged the state to introduce a legal framework to regulate the advertisement of unhealthy foods and beverages, among other provisions, such as prohibiting ads from being placed near schools or broadcast during watershed hours.
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