Kabando spoke out on Monday after a Sunday church service held in Kiambu County, which was attended by President Ruto.
During the service at a Gatundu-based African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA), Reverend Bishop Simon Karatu made statements suggesting that leaders from the Mount Kenya region had agreed to support the President in the next general election.
The remarks, delivered from the pulpit, were met with applause from sections of the congregation but quickly triggered criticism from political leaders and members of the public who felt the church service had crossed into political campaigning.
In a statement shared on social media, Kabando accused the bishop of misusing the pulpit to advance partisan interests. He argued that religious platforms should remain neutral spaces meant for worship, guidance and moral reflection, not political mobilisation.
According to Kabando, the bishop’s comments did not represent the views of all AIPCA followers or the wider Mount Kenya population.
The remarks, delivered from the pulpit, were met with applause from sections of the congregation but quickly triggered criticism from political leaders and members of the public who felt the church service had crossed into political campaigning.
In a statement shared on social media, Kabando accused the bishop of misusing the pulpit to advance partisan interests. He argued that religious platforms should remain neutral spaces meant for worship, guidance and moral reflection, not political mobilisation.
According to Kabando, the bishop’s comments did not represent the views of all AIPCA followers or the wider Mount Kenya population.
He said it was wrong for any cleric to claim political loyalty on behalf of millions of people, especially within a religious setting.
Kabando placed his criticism within the wider historical context of AIPCA, reminding Kenyans that the church has deep roots in the country’s struggle for independence. He noted that AIPCA was founded in the 1920s as an African-led religious movement at a time when colonial missionary churches sidelined African cultural expression.
He added that the church was closely linked to the fight for freedom, with strong connections to the Mau Mau movement and institutions such as Githunguri Teachers College, which educated many Africans who had been excluded from colonial schools.
Because of this history, Kabando argued, AIPCA carries a legacy of resistance, courage and service to ordinary people. He said that openly aligning the church with political power betrays those values and dishonours the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
The former MP further criticised what he described as a growing trend of clergy who use religion for personal gain and political relevance.
Kabando placed his criticism within the wider historical context of AIPCA, reminding Kenyans that the church has deep roots in the country’s struggle for independence. He noted that AIPCA was founded in the 1920s as an African-led religious movement at a time when colonial missionary churches sidelined African cultural expression.
He added that the church was closely linked to the fight for freedom, with strong connections to the Mau Mau movement and institutions such as Githunguri Teachers College, which educated many Africans who had been excluded from colonial schools.
Because of this history, Kabando argued, AIPCA carries a legacy of resistance, courage and service to ordinary people. He said that openly aligning the church with political power betrays those values and dishonours the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
The former MP further criticised what he described as a growing trend of clergy who use religion for personal gain and political relevance.
He warned that when religious leaders trade spiritual influence for money or political favour, they reduce faith into a transaction rather than a sacred calling.
Kabando also directed part of his criticism at church congregants, urging worshippers to reject political messaging delivered during services.
Kabando also directed part of his criticism at church congregants, urging worshippers to reject political messaging delivered during services.
He said silence or applause in response to partisan statements encourages the misuse of the pulpit and normalises behaviour that undermines the church’s integrity.
He called on believers to reclaim the sanctity of worship spaces by speaking out when religious leaders cross ethical boundaries. According to Kabando, faith communities have a responsibility to protect the church from becoming a tool for political elites.
The controversy has reignited national debate about the relationship between religion and politics in Kenya. While churches have historically played an important role in promoting peace, justice and accountability, critics argue that recent trends threaten that role.
He called on believers to reclaim the sanctity of worship spaces by speaking out when religious leaders cross ethical boundaries. According to Kabando, faith communities have a responsibility to protect the church from becoming a tool for political elites.
The controversy has reignited national debate about the relationship between religion and politics in Kenya. While churches have historically played an important role in promoting peace, justice and accountability, critics argue that recent trends threaten that role.
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