National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Church to maintain neutrality in political matters, warning that growing political partisanship among some religious leaders could undermine the institution’s moral authority.
Speaking on Tuesday during a farewell meeting with the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, at Parliament Buildings, Wetang’ula said religious institutions have an important role in society but should avoid behaving like political actors.
According to the Speaker, the Church has every right to criticise governments and leaders on social and moral issues, but such criticism must remain balanced and objective.
“Nobody will gag the Church from being critical, but it must be fair. The Church can speak on social issues as much as it wants, but when it begins behaving like an alternative political force, it risks losing the moral high ground as an impartial adviser and moral authority,” said Wetang’ula.
His remarks come amid increasing public debates involving religious leaders and politicians, especially on governance, corruption, taxation, and the cost of living in Kenya.
Over the past few years, churches across the country have become more vocal on matters of national concern, with some clerics openly criticising government policies and demanding accountability from leaders.
However, Wetang’ula cautioned that excessive political alignment by religious leaders could divide worshippers and weaken the credibility of the Church as a neutral moral voice in society.
The farewell meeting was held in honour of Archbishop van Megen, who has served as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative to Kenya.
The Apostolic Nuncio has played a key role in strengthening relations between Kenya and the Holy See during his tenure, while also participating in discussions on peace, governance, and social justice.
Wetang’ula praised the outgoing envoy for his contribution to diplomacy and his engagement with Kenyan leaders during his mission in the country.
The Speaker’s comments are likely to spark fresh debate on the role of the Church in politics, especially at a time when Kenya continues to experience heightened political tensions and increased scrutiny of public institutions.