Just a day after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Nominated MP Maina Kamanda clashed during a Sunday service in Murang’a, the Diocese’ Catholic bishop, James Wainaina, has banned all political functions in churches.
While announcing the ban on Monday, Wainaina reiterated that political functions in the diocese, that also covers Kirinyaga, will not be allowed since politicians had taken advantage of the church to settle their differences.
At the same time, the Bishop demanded an apology from both Kamanda and Nyoro over the Gitui Catholic Church fracas.
The two legislators, on Sunday, clashed over protocol during a fundraiser at the church in Kiharu, causing chaotic scenes that temporarily stopped the service.
MURANG’A CATHOLIC Bishop James Wainaina bans political functions in diocese that also covers Kirinyaga, demands apology over Gitui fracas. pic.twitter.com/sL06T2JWGd
— NationBreakingNews (@NationBreaking) September 9, 2019
Disagreements emerged when the two traded accusations after they differed over who should invite the present leaders to address the congregation.
The exchange, as viewed by many, was a replay of the supremacy battle between the Kieleweke and Tangatanga political factions that support the handshake between President Uhuru and Raila Odinga, with the other supporting DP William Ruto’s 2022 presidential ambitions.
Officers from Murang’a Police Station had to intervene to calm the situation that almost turned physical, as the leaders and their supporters faced off.
Already Nyoro, who is accused of assaulting an officer during the fracas, is on police radar and is being sought for arrest.
This is not the first time the church is coming under the spotlight over politics at the pulpit. Recently, the church has been accused of promoting corruption in the country by accepting ‘dirty money’ as part of donations during fundraisers.
The church has, however, insisted that it will continue receiving money from all politicians despite the warning.