Catholic Bishop of Kakamega Bans Politicians from Organizing Fundraisers in Churches
Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, has imposed a strict ban on politicians holding or organizing fundraisers—commonly known as harambees—in churches across Kakamega and Vihiga counties.
In a directive announced recently , the bishop accused political leaders of misusing sacred church spaces as platforms for political campaigning and self-promotion, turning houses of worship into arenas for political gain rather than spiritual reflection. The policy prohibits politicians from using parish premises or church events to solicit funds in ways that blend politics with religious activities, aiming to preserve the sanctity and neutrality of Catholic worship spaces.
Bishop Obanyi, who has led the diocese since succeeding the long-serving Bishop Philip Anyolo in 2014, emphasized that churches should remain focused on pastoral care, evangelization, and genuine community support without partisan interference. This move builds on his earlier stances, including past discouragements against clergy soliciting funds from politicians (noted in 2021 statements) and calls for politicians to serve the poor humbly rather than exploit religious settings. The ban reflects growing concerns among Kenyan church leaders about the politicization of religious institutions, especially in Western Kenya where harambees are a cultural norm for development projects but often become politicized during election cycles.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media and in local media outlets , with supporters praising the bishop for safeguarding church integrity amid Kenya's heated political environment ahead of future elections. Critics or observers note it could limit community fundraising for schools, hospitals, and parishes that sometimes rely on high-profile donations. As the diocese enforces the directive, it aligns with broader Catholic Church efforts in Kenya to maintain separation between sacred spaces and political maneuvering, ensuring churches remain places of unity rather than division.
