Kiambu Bishop Blocks Sudi From Publicising Donations & Addressing Church
A church service meant to raise funds for a new building took a dramatic turn on Sunday, April 13, after Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi and other political figures were denied a chance to address the congregation.
Presiding over the service at PCEA Githaithi church, Bishop Peter Kinyanjui made it clear that the pulpit would not be used for political speeches — a move that stunned many attendees who had expected the leaders to speak.
“As you have seen in the country in recent months, the PCEA church was in fact among the first to say that politicians should not speak at the pulpit,” Bishop Kinyanjui stated.
Using Oscar Sudi as an example, the bishop explained that political figures often veer off course during church services, ultimately shifting focus away from worship and spiritual reflection.
“Why? Because politicians will bring other agendas. For example, if I bring out Sudi, he will speak on other issues, and the church sermon will be forgotten,” he remarked.
Sudi’s Response and Admission
Despite the firm stance, Sudi was later seen leaning in to speak with the bishop privately — seemingly negotiating for a chance to speak.
Eventually granted a brief opportunity to address the congregation, Sudi admitted that the church’s decision was justified and even went on to acknowledge that politicians were to blame for turning church events into political platforms.
“Bishop, you’ve enforced what I have been thinking of all this while,” said Sudi. “And it is us politicians who have spoilt it for ourselves because we talk politics in church.”
He also emphasized his Christian faith, saying, “Maybe the bishop does not know me, but I am a Christian. What you have done is right.”
Interestingly, while the bishop had prohibited the publicizing of donations, several politicians’ pledges were later read aloud, suggesting a softening of stance following Sudi’s remarks.
A Widening Trend Across Churches
The PCEA Githaithi incident follows a similar one on March 16, when top political leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were barred from addressing the congregation at an ACK church service in Makadara.
At the time, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit declared a blanket ban on political speeches inside church premises, saying places of worship should remain sanctuaries of peace and prayer.
With more churches taking a firm stand against political interference, it remains to be seen whether Kenya’s politicians will respect the boundary or continue to push for a voice in the country’s most sacred spaces.
In other news:“I Am Not Mad”: Ruto Vows to Shame Critics by Delivering on Promises
Kiambu Bishop Blocks Sudi From Publicising Donations & Addressing Church