Embu bishop bars politicians from church fundraisers
A church in Embu County has barred the area politicians from holding gatherings and meetings within its premises.
In an unprecedented move, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu, Rt Rev Paul Kariuki Njiru, has also ordered his congregation not to accept bribes nor allow those vying for elective positions to be included in the list of guests during fundraisers.
A signed eight point statement by the Bishop in Nairobi News’ possession highlighted this directive.
“Never accept bribes in order to vote for the person who gives the bribe. Indeed all those who bribe or give money because they wish to influence people to vote for them are corrupt leaders and should not at all be voted as leaders,” Rev Njiru’s statement reads.
FUNDRAISING
“I hereby degree (sic) that all those aspiring to vote for civic posts come 2017 should not be included in the list of guests in our fundraising. They can however make their contributions just like any other person,” he further says.
The directive is seen as a move to counter the appetite recently shown by politicians of transforming church gatherings into potential political rallies.
Of late, politicians have been seen addressing congregation on sensitive political matters, leading to widespread debate over whether the practice should be encouraged.
