Gachagua denies leaders chance to speak at Bishop Kiuna's funeral

The DP spoke to the congregants in the Church and when he was finalizing his speech, he said that leaders are not allowed to speak in Church.

In Summary
  • Most politicians have been known for propagating political talks at church functions.

  • However, recently Kenyans asked the clergy not to allow leaders to politic in the Church.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing mourners during the funeral service of the late bishop Allan Kiuna during the funeral service at JCC Thindigua in Kiambu on July 17, 2024.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing mourners during the funeral service of the late bishop Allan Kiuna during the funeral service at JCC Thindigua in Kiambu on July 17, 2024.
Image: DPCS

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday denied leaders accompanying him a chance to speak.

It has been a norm for leaders accompanying the President or the Deputy President to be given a chance to address the congregants.

Most politicians have been known for propagating political talks at church functions.

However, recently Kenyans asked the clergy not to allow leaders to politic in the Church.

The move has seen politicians denied chances to speak by the clergy while others, congregants staged a walkout.

While addressing mourners during the burial ceremony of Bishop Allan Kiuna in Thindigua, Kiambu County.

The DP spoke to the congregants in the Church and when he was finalizing his speech, he said that leaders are not allowed to speak in Church.

"I have the condolence message from the President, I will read it but before I do, I have a few leaders here, let me just introduce them because they will not be able to speak," Gachagua said.

"There are new challenges. When we go to Church now, our leaders are not allowed to say anything because they messed up a bit. So stay like that for the time being." 

He went ahead to mention their names in their recognition while they stood up and waved to the congregants.

As they stood to wave, the congregants clapped their hands in unison.

Gachagua then introduced his spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi to speak. 

Several leaders have faced the wrath of Kenyans for addressing them on the podium.

On June 21, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi was asked not to engage in politics while he was giving his speech at a church-led function.

While he was almost concluding his speech, Sudi was interrupted by the priest.

The priest asked him not to engage in politics during the church service.

"Nimemaliza Father nimemaliza," Sudi said. 

"Tafadhali maliza, wewe unaingia siasa, wewe maliza hii ni siasa," the priest said.

Sudi replied by answering that he was not engaging in politics.

The priest went ahead to inform him to speak on matters concerning spirituality.

"Tuonyeshe vile unajua mambo ya kiroho sio siasa," the priest said.

Sudi added that the priest knows him spiritually and they have deliberated on many issues for many days.

He finished his speech by thanking the congregation and wishing blessings upon them.

On July 5, former CS Moses Kuria was forced to cut short his speech in Nyeri after some mourners started to chant anti-government slogans.

The CS had barely spoken for two minutes when he was rudely interrupted by the chants.

“Asante sana, thank you very much,” Kuria said and went to sit down following the chants.

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