Editor's Review

" All worshipers, including politicians, are to be treated equally, and no one is entitled to special seats or seating places, nor time to address the faithful."

Malindi Diocese Bishop Willybard Lagho has banned politicians from getting special treatment during holy mass.

In a letter dated Wednesday April 2 to Priests and assistant priests in the Malindi Diocese, Bishop Lagho said politicians should not be entitled to special seats or be allowed to address congregants.

“I would like to remind all Parish priests, Assistant priests, and all the Laity that places of worship are sacred, and all worshipers inside the church are expected to focus on prayers, listening to the Word of God, and partaking in the Eucharist.

"It is therefore sacrilegious to transform the church for any other business. All worshipers, including politicians, are to be treated equally, and no one is entitled to special seats or seating places, nor time to address the faithful,” the letter read in part.

Bishop Lagho also directed the Malindi Diocese priests not to recognize anyone who notifies the church leadership of their plan to attend mass.

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File image of Malindi Diocese Bishop Willybard Lagho. 

He also warned the priests that they would face consequences if they disregarded his directive.

“A person who notifies church leadership regarding their plan to attend Mass on specific days and times is manifestly an entitlement seeker and should not be recognized.

“Consequently, a priest or church leader who disregards this directive will be held personally responsible,” Bishop Lagho added.

He further said the church should not be used for political expediency and money laundering.

His directive comes weeks after the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, banned all political rhetoric in all ACK churches across the country.

Speaking on Sunday, March 16, Sapit pointed out that politicians were spewing hate in churches instead of serving Kenyans.

“I want to give directions that from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, and I thank God my bishops are here, there will be no opportunities for political leaders to give speeches in church,” Ole Sapit said.

He also directed politicians not to announce contributions they make to the church.