Deputy President William Ruto has asked religious leaders to consider lifting the ban on political utterances in churches.
According to Ruto, politicians are also human beings who need salvation and deliverance.
Speaking yesterday during a church service at AIPCA church in Meru, the DP asked clerics not to sideline politicians from the church, but instead preach to them quoting from the book of Psalm 133, which says God is pleased when he sees
brothers and sisters seated on the same table in harmony.
“Don’t bar anyone from coming to the house of God. There are those who go to church for politics, but there should be no problem with that. Even if they discuss politics in church, just allow them for as long as the word of God is preached,” he pleaded.
He said some politicians come to church for competition but who knows, it could also be a turning point in their salvation.
Ruto expressed shock by the recent turn of events where his opponents appear to have started going to church.
“I have worked so hard, some of these politicians were not known for coming to church but many have started coming because they have seen me coming to church. God has continued to push me and they now know that God is everything,” he said.
Further, he said that he supports the stand taken by the clergy to bar politicians from using the altar to abuse their opponents and also called on politicians to respect the church, whenever they are given a chance to speak.
His sentiments came after Catholic bishops and Anglican Churches of Kenya banned politicians from addressing congregations in churches after it became evident that political leaders were turning the churches into campaign fields.
As the political realignments occur ahead of next August’s general election, politicians are flocking in churches to attack their opponents or attempt to sway the congregants to their side.
Some of the politicians have been accused of hate speech in churches.
However, Methodist Church Kenya said they will allow politicians to speak to congregants from the pulpit.
Presiding Bishop, Joseph Ntombura said the decision to stop politicians from addressing worshippers is not wise, adding that it amounts to denying a section of church members from taking part in services.
