The directive comes at a time when political activities are gaining momentum across the country, with various leaders seeking opportunities to connect with voters and strengthen their political influence ahead of the highly anticipated elections.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, has maintained that churches should remain places of worship rather than political arenas where leaders advance their personal or party interests.
The bishops have called on church leadership to protect religious gatherings from partisan political activities, insisting that worshippers should be allowed to attend services without being subjected to political messages or campaign rhetoric.
The position is particularly significant considering that politicians have frequently attended Sunday services, where some have been given opportunities to address congregations and communicate their political ambitions.
The bishops have also called on politicians to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning against inflammatory remarks, hate speech and political exchanges that could create divisions among communities.
They further encouraged Kenyans, particularly young people, to participate responsibly in the democratic process by registering as voters and rejecting political violence, bribery and electoral malpractice.
The Catholic leadership has also challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that preparations for the next general election are transparent, credible and inclusive.
The latest position places religious institutions at the centre of the national conversation about responsible political leadership and the protection of democratic values.
As political temperatures continue rising, the bishops' message serves as a reminder that churches should remain neutral spaces where Kenyans can worship together regardless of their political affiliations.
It now remains to be seen how political leaders will respond to the church's position as campaigns gradually take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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