What was once poured in churches during Holy Communion is now being served over ice in Nairobi’s bars, prompting the Catholic church to make a swift decision. In response, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has decided to replace the supplier and the brand’s use.

In Catholicism, altar wine (also called sacramental wine or communion wine) is one of the two essential elements for the Eucharist. It symbolizes the “blood of Christ”. Canon Law requires that altar wine be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt or spoiled. It should not be mixed with extraneous or non-wine substances, as it must be suitable for consecration during mass.

The new wine, imported by Wow Beverages, will bear the KCCB coat of arms and signature of the chairperson. A statement by KCCB confirmed that all parishes had been instructed to cease using the locally manufactured altar wine.

Rollout begins in major dioceses, including Nairobi and Mombasa, with full implementation by the end of the month.

“The Eucharist is sacred, and every element of its celebration must remain free from commercial or secular contamination,” said Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, chair of the bishops’ conference. “The new wine will be handled and distributed solely through the Church’s channels.”

Beyond the immediate recall, the incident has stirred a deeper debate about commercialization and regulation in Kenya’s beverage industry.

Religious scholars note that the boundary between sacred and secular goods is increasingly blurred as local manufacturers diversify into niche markets, including faith-based products. Without strict oversight, they warn, even items intended for worship can slip into mainstream retail supply chains.

“It’s a wake-up call,” said Fr. Dominic Waweru, a theology lecturer at Tangaza University. “Once something sacred becomes ordinary, the symbolism loses its power. The Church must now balance supporting local industry with preserving its liturgical integrity.”