This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued guidelines for church leaders to follow when interacting with politicians ahead of the 2022 general elections.
According to the guidelines, church leaders are urged to refrain from anointing or commissioning individuals seeking political office.
Churches will continue to receive donations or offerings from political leaders, but such contributions will not be made public or used as a campaign tool.
The guidelines were arrived at during the 64th General Assembly held from August 23-26, 2021 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
“Concerned that politicians are consistently passing messages of hate, division and discord from the pulpit and in churches, Churches shall endeavor to minister to aspirants from the different political persuasions, and to pray for each when they attend the serviced,” the NCCK said.
Churches will also welcome political leaders and aspirants, but their presence will not affect the normal flow of the worship service programme.
Political leaders and aspirants will be encouraged to speak to the congregants after worship service, and the clergy in charge will have to agree with them on what they will speak about to avoid foul language and incitement.