Kenyans have watched with growing discomfort as politicians increasingly turn places of worship into arenas for political theatre in recent months. Churches, which many people regard as sacred spaces for prayer, reflection and healing, are slowly being dragged into the rough and often divisive world of politics. What was once a sanctuary for the weary soul is now, at times, reduced to a stage for political rhetoric, power displays and even confrontation. This trend is worrying and must be confronted honestly and decisively.
Places of worship occupy a special place in society. For many Kenyans, the church is a place of refuge. People go there carrying burdens. They seek peace, guidance and a sense of connection with their Creator. When politics invades such a space, it disrupts that sacred purpose. It replaces prayer with propaganda and reflection with rivalry. The result is a loss for society as a whole.
Recent incidents, including aggressive political exchanges and even the use of force against congregants, have shocked the nation. The idea that people could be teargassed while attending a church service is deeply disturbing. Regardless of political affiliation, this should trouble every Kenyan. It signals that no space is considered off-limits anymore not even places of worship meant to symbolize peace, love and unity.
Politicians are by nature, seekers of visibility and influence. Churches offer them large audiences and moral legitimacy. Standing at a pulpit can create the impression that a leader has divine approval or moral superiority. This is dangerous. It manipulates faith for personal or political gain and places religious leaders in awkward positions, sometimes turning them into unwilling participants in political games. Faith should never be used as a campaign tool.
The church also risks losing its moral authority when it becomes closely aligned with the political class. When politicians are welcomed to speak freely from the altar, especially now we are approaching 2027 election period, the line between spiritual guidance and political endorsement becomes blurred. Congregants who hold different political views may feel alienated, unwelcome or even judged. This undermines the unity that churches are meant to foster.
Importantly, keeping politics out of places of worship does not mean silencing the church on social issues. Religious institutions have a vital role in speaking truth to power, advocating for justice, peace, accountability and the dignity of human life. However, there is a big difference between offering moral guidance and giving politicians a platform to campaign, insult opponents or settle scores. The church should challenge leaders and not cheer them on.
Responsibility lies on both sides. Politicians must learn restraint and respect. They should recognize that not every space is suitable for politics and that faith spaces deserve special protection. On the other hand, church leaders must be firm and courageous enough to say no. Refusing politicians access to the pulpit is an act of wisdom and faithfulness to the true mission of the church.
As a society, we must ask ourselves what kind of future we want. Do we want a country where even sacred spaces are polluted by political conflict? Or do we want to preserve places where people can gather in peace, regardless of tribe, party or ideology? Protecting places of worship from political interference is all about preserving decency, respect and humanity.
In the end, faith should unite us, not divide us. Churches should remain places where hearts are healed and not hardened, where hope is restored, not exploited. If we allow politics to take over these sacred spaces, we lose something precious. It is time for the church to reclaim its sanctity and for politicians to respect the boundaries that protect it.
