The Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has defended the Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader, Musalia Mudavadi, over claims that he stormed out of a Church service in Butere after being denied an opportunity to address the congregation.
Speaking during an interview with a local media house Monday, September 13, Ole Sapit noted that Mudavadi sought permission from him before exiting the consecration ceremony of Bishop Rose Okeno.
Mudavadi’s exit from the ceremony followed shortly after Ole Sapit banned political utterances on the Anglican churches pulpit, saying that politicians would not be allowed to address the congregation.
His departure, together with Ford Kenya's party leader, Moses Wetangula, sparked reaction from Kenyans on social media.
Kenyans online accused Mudavadi of not respecting the church in his political campaigns. Ole Sapit, however, said that people got the wrong impression of Mudavadi.
“I want to clarify that Mudavadi did not walk out of yesterday’s (Sunday's) event in protest. When Mudavadi was about to leave, he informed me he would be attending another function in Murang’a,” Ole Sapit stated.
He also proceeded to say that he will not change the rule blocking politicians from the Anglican Church pulpit, urging other churches to do the same.
“In the church, worship and the word of God must take center stage. Whenever politicians are handed the microphone, they must talk politics and that is what is aired on TV. We welcome them to worship with us but they must not do politics in church.”
Besides that, Archbishop Ole Sapit issued a directive that church leaders must respect the ministry and not be seen in politicians' homes.
“We have also directed that our Bishops, Reverends and church leaders must not be seen trooping to politicians’ homes. Their place is in the church to do evangelism,” he concluded.
