EMBU, Kenya — The Catholic Diocese of Embu has issued new guidelines restricting political activities in churches and liturgical celebrations, barring politicians from addressing congregations during or after Mass.
Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u directed politicians and other political representatives to attend Catholic services as ordinary worshippers and refrain from using church platforms to advance political interests.
The directive takes immediate effect across the diocese and allows politicians to participate in Holy Mass as members of the Christian faithful, provided they respect the solemnity of worship.
Under the new guidelines, no politician or political representative should address the congregation during or after Holy Mass or during any other liturgical service, whether the service is held inside or outside a church.
Instead, the presiding minister may briefly acknowledge the politician’s presence without giving them an opportunity to deliver a political message.
Churches barred from hosting political activities
The directive also prohibits the use of Catholic churches and their compounds as venues for political campaigns, mobilisation exercises or debates.
Political actors will therefore not be allowed to use church premises to rally supporters, promote candidates or organise political discussions alongside religious gatherings.
The move comes as political activity continues to intensify across Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, with churches remaining important spaces for community gatherings and public engagement.
Bishop Kimani also instructed priests, religious personnel and pastoral agents to maintain political neutrality while carrying out their duties.
They are expected to serve Catholics and other members of the community without taking partisan positions, ensuring that the Church remains accessible to people holding different political views.
Bishop urges Catholics to participate responsibly
Rather than allowing church services to become platforms for political mobilisation, the directive encourages the faithful to pray for all leaders and participate responsibly in civic affairs.
Bishop Kimani called on Catholics to avoid activities that could jeopardise faith and public peace while exercising their civic responsibilities.
The guidelines further emphasise unity, love and respect for the rule of law, urging the faithful to promote these values when interacting with people from different faiths, tribes and cultures.
The bishop instructed all those involved in pastoral work within the diocese to implement the directive faithfully and with pastoral charity, saying political participation should not interfere with the sanctity and unity of Catholic worship.
Political campaigning in Embu churches
The restriction is not entirely new in the diocese. In 2016, the then Bishop of Embu, Paul Kariuki Njiru, banned politicians from using the pulpit to woo voters ahead of elections.
Earlier in February 2026, Bishop Kimani also urged Catholics involved in church elections to choose servant leaders and cautioned against introducing political campaigns into Church activities.
Bishop Kimani was installed as Bishop of Embu in November 2024 after Pope Francis appointed him to lead the diocese.
The latest directive reinforces the Diocese of Embu’s position that churches and liturgical celebrations should remain focused on worship, while allowing Catholics to exercise their civic responsibilities outside religious services.
