Catholic priests directed to bar politicians from politicking in Church

The Catholic Church in Kenya, through a resolution of the Conference of Bishops, has instructed priests to bar politicians from politicking in Church.

Speaking on Thursday, Bishop David Kamau said churches must remain true to what they are meant for, adding that politicians should politic elsewhere.

“We met recently as Catholic Bishops and passed a resolution that we should not allow politicians to interfere with our congregations or to bring politics in our churches,” said Bishop Kamau.

He added: “We would like our politicians to understand that we don’t want to mix issues. Let us leave politics where it belongs and the church where it belongs.”

Bishop Kamau was speaking in an interview after the annual Chrism Holy Mass, during which all Archdiocese of Nairobi priests renewed their priestly vows.

During the Holy Mass held at St. Mary’s Msongari Grounds in Nairobi, oils used during baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick were consecrated.

Churches have in the recent past come under sharp criticism for allowing politicians to turn the pulpit into political podiums to trade barbs and hurl insults at each other.