Murang’a Catholic Bishop Maria Wainaina has cancelled all pending invitations for political leaders with immediate effect.
The bishop said no political activities will be allowed in the churches under his jurisdiction in Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties.
Addressing the media at the Diocesan offices on Monday, Wainaina said the move is aimed at averting incidences like the one witnessed in Gitui on Sunday.
He said the scene created in the church when a standoff between Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and nominated MP Maina Kamanda was regrettable, unfortunate and shameful.
“I have written to all the churches under my territory not to give platform to any political leader until further notice” he said.
The bishop said the fight involving leaders was disrespectful to the church and set a bad precedent.
“The Diocese of Murang’a demands a public apology from the two leaders who were involved on the saga,” he said.
Wainaina said it is now clear that politicians could be using the space and time given to them in church to settle political scores.
“Political leaders have turned churches into a political arena and we condemn this with the strongest terms possible,” he said.
The bishop said it’s time for the church leaders stand on guard and take control of what happens in their churches.
“An incident which may look innocent at the beginning may end up being uncontrollably ugly and embarrassing and we are not going to let it happen again.”
He, however, urged leaders to refrain from any acts or utterances of hatred and incitement to violence.
“They should also respect the places of worship because this is where Christians come to worship,” he added.
