The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has banned politicians from making political addresses in Catholic churches across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, November 12, at the Cardinal John Njue Pastoral Centre in Embu, Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria said churches would not be used as platforms for politicians seeking votes or promoting their political interests.
Muheria said the decision was meant to protect places of worship from being drawn into political campaigns, insisting that politicians keep electioneering out of Catholic churches.
He added that the bishops had instructed Catholic priests across the country to enforce the directive, warning against allowing political activities to interfere with the sanctity of churches.
“We are directing that there shall not be any political address given in any of our Catholic churches in any part of our country,” Muheria said.
“We are therefore instructing all our priests to implement this position with the diligence and seriousness it deserves.”
Catholic Church Bans Politicians From Making Political Addresses in Churches Ahead of 2027 Polls
The bishops noted that politicians had several other platforms through which they could reach voters, present their manifestos and seek support without bringing political campaigns into places of worship.
These include the media, public barazas and roadside rallies.
“Politicians have many options to utilise in their search for votes, including the media, barazas and roadside rallies,” Muheria said.
The religious leaders observed that churches bring together Kenyans with different political beliefs, who attend services for spiritual guidance rather than political messaging.
Also Read: Embu Bishop Bans Politicians From Addressing Congregations in Catholic Churches
They also urged voters to reflect on the performance of current leaders and make informed choices as the country prepares for the next General Election.
At the same time, they cautioned Kenyans against letting the noise of political campaigns cloud their judgment, urging them to carefully assess candidates and their promises before deciding who deserves their votes.
“We have before us a moment to reflect and evaluate the performance of the leaders we have and vote wisely; this is a great opportunity to exercise our right to elect leaders to deliver on their mandate,” the bishops stated.
“The noise that pollutes the air during political campaigns must not block our individual discernment of who is best suited to represent and lead us.”
Also Read: Ruto, Sifuna Tie in 2027 Presidential Poll
Bishops Raise Concern Over Proposed Electoral Changes
Beyond the restrictions on political addresses in churches, the bishops raised concerns over proposed electoral amendments that they said could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
They singled out proposals seeking to ban the livestreaming of presidential vote tallies, warning that such changes could create unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are concerned about the introduction of Bills, such as the banning of livestreaming presidential vote tallies, which raise unnecessary tensions in the country,” they stated.
The bishops called on Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to reject legislation they consider divisive and ensure that electoral reforms strengthen transparency.
They argued that Kenyans should have unrestricted access to information during elections to build public trust in the results.
“Parliament has yet one more chance to redeem itself by totally rejecting such an attempt to muzzle free access to information. There should be full transparency in the elections where Kenyans have access to all information,” they added.
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