Bishop Simon Karatu of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) has broken his silence following widespread criticism of last Sunday's chaotic church service attended by President William Ruto, insisting he has no regrets about the controversial events.
Speaking at a burial service on Tuesday, the defiant Bishop dismissed concerns about the political drama that unfolded during the December 14 service, where he publicly pledged Mt. Kenya region's support for President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
"I can't regret the chaos and drama that happened during the church service," Bishop Karatu declared, clarifying that the incidents occurred on the school playground rather than inside the church sanctuary itself.
The service had drawn sharp criticism from politicians and citizens alike, with former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando condemning the Bishop's political endorsement as partisan politics disguised as religious leadership.
Many Kenyans on social media dismissed the pledge as disconnected from the economic struggles facing ordinary congregants.
Adding to the controversy, women wearing AIPCA Women Council headscarves allegedly disrupted the service by heckling Governor Kimani Wamatangi while cheering for other politicians.
Church officials claimed these women were hired by politicians and given unauthorized headscarves.
In an unexpected gesture of reconciliation, Bishop Karatu extended an olive branch to those involved in the disruption.
"I have also welcomed those who wore women's council headscarves against the church doctrine to come to the church and get their vitambaa blessed," he stated.
The Bishop's comments suggest he views the controversy as a technical violation of venue rather than a fundamental breach of church principles.
However, AIPCA's National Communications Director has demanded a public apology from Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a, whom officials hold responsible for orchestrating the disruption.
The incident continues to fuel debate about the intersection of religion and politics in Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
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