The Catholic Diocese of Embu has issued new guidelines restricting political activities in churches and liturgical celebrations.
Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u has directed politicians to attend Mass as ordinary worshippers and not use church platforms to advance political interests.
The directive, which takes immediate effect across the diocese, says politicians remain welcome to participate in Holy Mass but must respect the solemnity of worship.
It also prohibits political representatives from addressing congregations during or after Mass or during other liturgical services.
The move comes as political activity across Kenya increasingly intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Bishop Kimani was installed as Bishop of Embu in November 2024 after Pope Francis appointed him to lead the diocese.
Politicians Allowed to Worship but Barred From Addressing Congregations
Under the new pastoral directive, politicians and other political representatives will continue to be allowed to attend Catholic services as members of the Christian faithful.
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However, their presence will not give them an opportunity to address worshippers or deliver political messages. The directive states that no politician or political representative should speak to the congregation during or after Holy Mass or during a liturgical service, whether the service is held inside or outside a church.
Instead, the presiding minister may briefly acknowledge the politician’s presence.
The provision seeks to separate religious worship from political mobilization, particularly in circumstances where politicians traditionally receive opportunities to speak to large congregations in churches.
The issue has previously attracted attention in Kenya. In 2016, the then Bishop of Embu, Paul Kariuki Njiru, banned politicians from using the pulpit to woo voters ahead of elections, showing that concerns about political campaigning in Catholic worship spaces are not new.
Earlier in February 2026, Bishop Kimani encouraged Catholics involved in church elections to choose servant leaders, warning them against political campaigns in the Church.
Churches and Compounds Not to Host Political Activities
The directive further prohibits the use of Catholic churches and their compounds as venues for political campaigns, mobilization exercises or debates.
This means political actors cannot use church premises to rally supporters, promote candidates or organize political discussions under the cover of religious gatherings.
The directive also places responsibility on priests, religious personnel and pastoral agents to maintain political neutrality while performing their pastoral duties.
They are expected to serve Catholics and other members of the community without taking partisan positions, ensuring that the Church remains accessible to people with different political views.
The position is particularly significant because Catholic churches remain important spaces for community engagement across Kenya. The Catholic Church, coordinated nationally through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, has historically participated in discussions on governance, peace, leadership and social justice.
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Rather than using church services for political mobilization, the directive encourages the faithful to pray for all leaders and participate responsibly in civic affairs.
Bishop Kimani called on all Catholics to avoid activities that could jeopardize faith and public peace as they exercise their civic responsibilities.
The directive also emphasizes unity, love, and the rule of law, urging the faithful to promote these values in their interactions with people from different faiths, tribes, and cultures.
Bishop Kimani has instructed all those involved in pastoral work within the diocese to implement the directive faithfully and with pastoral charity, ensuring that political participation does not interfere with the sanctity and unity of Catholic worship.
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