No political campaigns in Catholic churches, bishops warn

Catholic bishops have banned political addresses in churches ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning politicians against turning places of worship into campaign platforms. In a statement on Thursday, November 12, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directed priests to enforce the ban, saying churches must remain places of prayer, peace and unity for all, regardless of political affiliation. The bishops said politicians had attempted to use church gatherings to campaign, insisting that the electioneering period did not justify turning places of worship into political platforms. "Places of worship should be peacefully and prayerfully available to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, and be symbols of unity, love and care," they said. They urged politicians seeking votes to use other platforms, including the media, public barazas and roadside rallies.