GITHUNGURI, KIAMBU COUNTY – In a move signaling a broader shift in the relationship between church and politics in Kenya, a senior bishop of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has blocked Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and other politicians from addressing congregants or publicizing donations during a church fundraiser held in Githaithi.
The event, aimed at supporting the construction of a new sanctuary, drew several political figures, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. However, the PCEA bishop firmly barred them from using the pulpit for speeches or announcements of their financial contributions.
“As you have seen in the country in recent months, the PCEA Church was among the first to say that politicians should not speak at the pulpit,” the bishop said. “Politicians tend to shift focus from the sermon to politics, and this must be discouraged.”
Church-Politics Boundary Reinforced
The incident is part of a growing trend where religious leaders push back against politicization of the pulpit. The move follows similar stances by Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi, who recently declined a multimillion-shilling donation from President William Ruto citing ethical concerns (aciafrica.org, 2024).
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a close ally of President Ruto, criticized the church’s decision, labeling such rejections as hypocritical. Speaking afterward, Sudi defended political donations as acts of thanksgiving and tradition.
“When we give, it is not for show. Even the President has donated to churches for years—it’s part of our commitment to faith,” he argued.
Bishops Urge Focus on Kenyans’ Needs
Catholic and Protestant clergy across the country have increasingly urged politicians to prioritize helping struggling citizens directly rather than using church donations as a stage for political relevance. During Ash Wednesday celebrations in March 2025, Bishop Cleophas Oseso emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in church support.
“Let our worship spaces remain sacred,” he said. “Don’t bring politics into the pulpit. Help the poor where they are, not for the cameras.”
Conclusion
The decision by the PCEA bishop in Githunguri has reignited national debate on the role of the church in Kenya’s political landscape. As the 2027 general elections draw near, many are watching closely to see if religious institutions will maintain this firm boundary or succumb to political influence.