Kenya, March 16 -- Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced a difficult moment today when Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) did not allow him to speak during a church service at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Nairobi.
This unusual decision also applied to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The Archbishop announced that politicians are no longer allowed to use ACK pulpits for speeches, aiming to keep church gatherings free from political influence.
Gachagua attended the service with other political leaders but had to stay quiet as the Archbishop enforced this new rule.
This move comes five months after Gachagua was removed from his position in October 2024. He was charged with corruption and causing ethnic tensions-claims he insists are not true.
His removal followed a disagreement with President William Ruto, who was once his ally, and Ruto has since replaced him with Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.
The incident at the cathedral received mixed reactions. Some church members cheered, showing their frustration with politics in religious spaces, while others online expressed their opinions about the situation.
Gachagua's supporters hinted that he was upset, but he did not comment as he left the church.
Recently, there have been rumors about Gachagua. On Saturday, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said Gachagua was "broke" and had a secret meeting with someone close to opposition leader Raila Odinga, leading to speculations about a possible change in his political alliances.
Earlier this month, there were reports that Gachagua encouraged his followers to resign from Parliament and possibly create by-elections under his name, though nothing has happened yet.
People online also suggested that Gachagua might make an important announcement soon, possibly in response to recent remarks by Kindiki during a public event.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has been quieter but still remains a divisive figure, especially in his home region of Mount Kenya.
His future actions are being closely watched as the political situation in Kenya continues to change, and the church's new stance adds to his difficulties.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.