Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, along with his allies and those of President William Ruto, have for the second consecutive week been restricted from addressing congregants at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
This occurred during the enthronement of Bishop Gerald Muriithi as the new bishop of ACK Mt. Kenya West Diocese in Nyeri.
A large number of political leaders arrived at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Nyeri Town, hoping to address the gathered faithful during the consecration and enthronement of Bishop Gerald Muriithi, the third bishop of ACK Mt. Kenya West Diocese.
Similar to the previous Sunday, the ceremony, which was presided over by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, included several leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his allies, those allied to President William Ruto, and People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua. However, no time was allocated for their congratulatory messages.
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit reaffirmed the church’s stance on keeping politics out of its services.
“Even if the President were here, we would do the same because we want what happens in the worship and sanctuary to be respected. “ Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said.
Other communications can be given outside because they are not part of worship; they are part of national communication.”
With this, the Anglican Church successfully upheld its policy of keeping politics away from its pulpit for the second consecutive Sunday, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on politicians using the church as a platform to advance their agenda.
Not in the Anglican Church. We can hold peace crusades outside because you never know when a slip of the tongue might happen.” Ole Sapit added.
Given the opportunity to address congregants outside the church, Gachagua chose to call for peace and unity in Central Kenya ahead of President William Ruto’s tour of the region.
“Let people love one another. Let people unite and come together as one. We should never be incited against each other because we are one.” the former DP Gachagua said.
His remarks came as a group of rowdy youth chanted pro-Ruto slogans outside the church compound.
The President’s impending visit has deepened divisions within the region’s leadership, with Gachagua’s allies questioning the rationale behind his ouster, while Ruto’s allies view the visit as crucial for the region’s development.
