Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has suggested that religious organizations develop structured ways to handle contributions for church development, rather than relying on political fundraising events (harambees) held in churches.

In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Senator Cherargei said this in of the recent move by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) to ban political speeches inside its places of worship. He noted that politicians have many alternative platforms to push their agendas, including baby and bridal showers.

The politician expressed his agreement with the directive, emphasizing the need to keep places of worship sacred and free from political influence. He stated that worship spaces should be reserved exclusively for preaching, prayers, and worship.

“On this one I fully agree with ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole sapit let the worship places remain to be sacred to be used for preaching, worship and prayers ONLY without politicking which may desecrate the altar. We politicians have many forums on how to pass our messages including but not limited to even baby showers or bridal showers,” Cherargei declared.

Adding;

“On harambees can religious organisations develop a decent and structured way on contributions to assist in building places of worship.”

Ban on politicians

The ACK, led by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, made the announcement earlier during the Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru at the ACK Nairobi Diocese in Makadara, that politicians will no longer be allowed to make speeches inside its churches.

Instead, they will only be acknowledged by name and permitted to greet the congregation without delivering any political remarks.

“I want to give directions that from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church,” he stated firmly.

Archbishop Ole Sapit, in his firm declaration, clarified that any interaction between politicians and congregants would have to take place outside the church premises. He emphasized that this directive would be enforced across all ACK churches and dioceses.

“We will mention their names, they will wave their hands if they so wish to speak to the congregants. It will be done outside of the sanctuary, not only today but in all our dioceses and churches,” he added.

This move comes as part of the church’s effort to separate religion from politics, an issue that has been a longstanding concern in Kenya. Over the years, churches have become frequent venues for political discourse, with politicians using religious platforms to advance their agendas. This practice has drawn criticism, with many arguing that religious sanctuaries should remain apolitical.

In 2021, the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya spoke out against the trend, condemning politicians for turning pulpits into campaign stages. The association reiterated that churches should remain sacred spaces for worship and not be used as political battlegrounds.