Wetang’ula cautions church against political bias
By Faith Lagat, May 26, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged religious leaders to remain impartial in political matters, warning that open partisanship risks undermining the church’s moral authority.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, during a farewell meeting with outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, Wetang’ula said the Church must continue speaking on justice, peace and accountability without appearing politically aligned.
“Nobody will gag the church from being critical, but you must be fair,” Wetang’ula said. “You can comment as much on social issues as you like, but when you start behaving like an alternative political force, you lose the moral high ground as an impartial commentator, advisor, and arbitrary counselor.”
Church and political neutrality
The Speaker acknowledged the historical role played by religious institutions during periods of political repression, saying churches have previously stood out as defenders of justice and the rights of ordinary citizens.
He, however, questioned what he termed as selective criticism directed at the current administration, noting that some clergy had openly taken political positions.
“The Catholic Church was completely silent on Uhuru Kenyatta. President William Ruto is literally breaking his back, moving all over the country to move it forward, but the church doesn’t see anything good in him,” Wetang’ula said.
He added that religious leaders should maintain fairness while addressing governance issues and also reflect on internal challenges within church institutions.
“The church needs to speak on social issues, peace, justice, and accountability. I tell my Bishops that you can speak on transparency and responsibility; however, even as you criticise others, look within yourself,” he stated.
Concerns over church institutions
Wetang’ula also raised concern over what he described as the gradual shift by some Catholic-run schools and hospitals from their traditional social mission.
He said some institutions appeared increasingly focused on financial gain instead of addressing social challenges affecting communities.
During the meeting, Archbishop van Megen also stressed the need for church institutions to strengthen their social responsibility and continue supporting vulnerable groups.
The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio is concluding a seven-year diplomatic mission in Kenya and is expected to take up a new assignment in Germany.
Wetang’ula praised his tenure, particularly his contribution to strengthening the Catholic Church leadership through the appointment of bishops across the country.
Fresh political tensions
The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing debate over politics in religious spaces ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recent months have seen accusations and counter-accusations between government and opposition leaders over political mobilisation in churches and public gatherings.
Some opposition figures have accused government allies of disrupting church events and using organised groups to intimidate rivals, claims that have intensified discussions about the role of religious institutions in national politics.
Religious leaders, including ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, have previously condemned violence and political intolerance, calling for peaceful engagement and issue-based politics.
Wetang’ula concluded by wishing Archbishop van Megen success in his new assignment and encouraged him to continue promoting peace, reconciliation and human dignity.