Don't accept money from corrupt politicians, warns ACK bishop

Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Timothy Ranji has banned politicians from using the church pulpit to campaign.

In addition, the bishop banned churches in the Mt Kenya South diocese from accepting donations from people mentioned in corruption cases.

"If anybody wants to campaign, they will not be allowed to do it inside any of our ACK churches in Mt Kenya South. They can do it outside the church once the service is over," said the clergyman.

He was speaking on Sunday at ACK St Luke's King'eero parish in Kabete, Kiambu County during a church service.

The bishop said he will write a letter to all presiding priests in his jurisdiction informing them of the ban, adding that the church must maintain its integrity especially now the country is in an electioneering period ahead of 2017 General Election.

The clergyman said the church had been on the receiving end for entertaining suspicious characters and accepting money from them, acts interpreted to mean the church endorses graft.

Bishop Ranji said accepting donations from such people was also putting pressure on them to steal more to "buy prestige in churches."

"If we say that the country has 80 per cent Christians, how is this that we are among the most corrupt?" asked the bishop, "Instead of inviting politicians to church and demanding money from them, the church should (instead) demand for better legislation and leadership."

The ACK official was hoping to succeed Archbishop Eliud Wabukala as head of the Anglican Church in Kenya but was found ineligible due to an age limit requirement.

The ACK constitution limits to 60 the age at which a Bishop can vie for the Archbishop post. Bishop Ranji turns 60 on Monday.

Names of the six prospective candidates hoping to succeed Archbishop Wabukala will be known Monday.