EMBU, NOVEMBER 8, 2016(CISA) – Bishop Paul Njiru Kariuki of the Catholic Diocese of Embu has banned politicians from using the pulpit to woo voters ahead of the forthcoming 2017 General Elections.
In an exhortation letter dated November 2, sent to priests and all Christians in the diocese of Embu, Bishop Kariuki said that political aspirants should not be invited as chief guests in church fundraisings.
“In the event that the politicians seek to contribute in fundraising, they will only be allowed to do so as church members without expecting to be given a chance to campaign,” said Bishop Kariuki.
He also barred politicians from using other church facilities such as compounds, halls for campaigns adding that “during Christian funerals, no political campaigns or speeches should be entertained.”
In the nine-point exhortation, Bishop Kariuki further warned priests not to campaign for any political party or a politician.
“No priest is supposed to be publicly affiliated to any political party, or a campaign for a politician or particular political party,” emphasized the bishop adding that such priests will face disciplinary action.
The bishop also appealed to the faithful in the diocese to stop accepting handouts from politicians and instead study their manifestos in order to make informed decisions.
