On Sunday, April 13, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi were openly embarrassed after a presiding bishop at a PCEA church in Githunguri denied them the chance to speak during a fundraising event.
The church had organized the event to raise money for a new church building, and several political leaders, including Sudi, had shown up likely hoping for the usual opportunity to gain some publicity and throw around large donations. But things didn’t go as they had planned.
The bishop stood firm and made it clear that the church would not allow politicians to take over the pulpit. He told the congregation that they had already seen the damage politics had done to religious spaces in recent months.
The bishop reminded the audience that the PCEA church was among the first to decide that politicians should not be allowed to speak from the pulpit, especially during sermons. It was a sharp message, and both Sakaja and Sudi were left looking uncomfortable as they sat in silence.
This was more than just a rule about church conduct. It was a powerful statement against the way politicians like Sakaja and Sudi have used churches for selfish political purposes.
For too long, these leaders have shown up at religious gatherings only to talk about themselves, their opponents, and their so-called development agendas. They use the church as a stage, turning sacred moments into political rallies.
The bishop refused to let that happen, even going further to directly call out Sudi. He warned the MP not to bring other agendas into the church and clearly stated that if Sudi were allowed to speak, the entire focus of the service would be lost.
Sudi, who is known for his loud and often controversial remarks, was humbled. The bishop even warned him not to boast about how much money he was contributing to the church. This move cut deep because many politicians thrive on showing off their donations, making it look like they are generous when in reality, they are seeking clout and influence.
By shutting this down, the bishop reminded everyone that the church is not a place to score political points.Governor Sakaja was no different. Even though he kept a lower profile during the event, his presence also showed the same old tactic of trying to win over crowds by attending church events.
Nairobi under Sakaja’s leadership is suffering floods, garbage problems, broken infrastructure, and joblessness. Yet instead of fixing these issues, Sakaja hops from one church to another hoping for applause. The bishop’s decision was a much-needed reality check for him too.
What happened in Githunguri is a sign that Kenyans are waking up. They are tired of leaders like Sakaja and Sudi using churches for campaigns while ignoring their duties. The rejection they faced should be a lesson to all politicians, the pulpit is not your microphone, and the church is not your stage.
