Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has approved the Anglican Church of Kenya’s (ACK) decision to prohibit politicians from speaking during service.
Speaking in Nyahururu on Sunday, Gachagua stated that he completely agrees with the church’s decision.
He went on to say that politics should be done anywhere, not in churches.
“I also want to agree with that decision by the church. Going forward, let us respect the church of Christ.
“Wacha siasa yetu tupeleke kwa kiwanja na huko sokoni,” the DP said. This loosely translates to “Let’s do our politics in the stadiums and ]the markets).
The ACK, where Gachagua and President William Ruto, accompanied by other elected leaders barred politicians from speaking at the Consecration and Enthronement of Rev. Maj. Samson Mburu Gachathi as the 3rd Bishop of ACK Nyahururu Diocese.
Only the President and his deputy spoke.
Gachagua said that the Bishops had informed him of their decision to bar all politicians from speaking at the event including him.
According to the DP, they had seen a lot of toxic talk from politicians in churches.
“They told me they have seen a lot of toxic talk in churches, a lot of insults and a lot of people talking at each other and we don’t want that anymore.”
Gachagua said the leadership of the Anglican church informed him of the decision on Saturday, when he arrived in Nyahururu, ahead of the function.
“The Bishop and four Canons looked for me and told me the House of Bishops have met and decided that tomorrow’s Consecration and Enthronement must be a church affair and they don’t want politics in the church and they told me only President Ruto would speak,” Gachagua said.
“I asked what about myself and they told me that is why we have come because we respect you to tell you in advance.”
Gachagua said he pleaded with the Bishops to say a few words but they referred him to Archbishop Ole Sapit.
The Archbishop, he said, insisted that that was the position of the church on the matter.
