His Lordship Willybard Lagho, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, has issued a directive banning politicians from receiving special treatment or addressing congregants during Holy Mass. The directive, outlined in a letter addressed to all parishes in the diocese, emphasizes the sanctity of places of worship and warns against turning churches into political platforms.
The bishop’s letter, titled On Equality of Worshipers Irrespective of Their Social Standing, underscores that churches should remain sacred spaces where all faithful, regardless of their status, come to seek spiritual nourishment. In his decree, Bishop Lagho firmly states that politicians should not be accorded special seating arrangements or given the opportunity to address congregants during services.
“It is sacrilegious to transform the church for any other businesses,” the letter reads. “All worshipers, including politicians, are to be treated equally, and no one is entitled to special seats or speaking time.”
The bishop also condemned the practice of politicians notifying church leadership about their attendance in advance, describing it as a clear sign of entitlement. He warned that any priest or church leader who disregards the directive would be held personally accountable.
Bishop Lagho’s directive is a significant shake-up in a country where politicians frequently use church services as platforms to rally support and push their agendas. Many leaders have been known to make donations and pledge financial support to churches in exchange for visibility and influence within religious circles.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some Kenyans praising the bishop for upholding the integrity of worship, while others question whether the directive will be enforced uniformly. Political leaders who often rely on religious gatherings for outreach may find themselves at odds with the church’s new stance.
Bishop Lagho concluded his letter with a call for peace and a stern warning against using places of worship for political expediency or money laundering.
As the country heads into another political cycle, all eyes will be on the Malindi Diocese to see whether this groundbreaking move will set a precedent for other religious institutions across Kenya.
