Catholic Bishop Warns Against Special Treatment For Politicians In Churches

Catholic Bishop of Malindi, Rev. Willybard Lagho, has issued a stern warning to parish priests, assistant priests, and lay members, urging them to stop giving politicians special treatment in churches.

In a memo, Bishop Lagho emphasized that politicians should be treated like any other worshippers, including in seating arrangements.

He noted that even politicians who book church visits in advance should not be accorded preferential treatment, as this creates a sense of entitlement.

“I would like to remind all parish priests, assistant priests, and all laity that places of worship are sacred, and all worshippers inside the church are expected to focus on prayers, listening to the word of God, and partaking in the Eucharist. It is therefore sacrilegious to transform the church for any other business. All worshippers, including politicians, are to be treated equally, and no one is entitled to special seats or places nor time to address the faithful,” Lagho stated.

He further warned that anyone who notifies church leadership in advance of their plan to attend Mass on specific days is seeking special recognition and should not be given preferential treatment.

“Consequently, any priest or church leader who disregards this directive will be held personally responsible,” he cautioned.

His directive comes just days after the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) also warned against allowing politicians to address congregations inside churches or within church compounds.