Kenyan Bishops Reject President Ruto’s Cash Offer, Urge Politicians to Address People’s Needs

By David Atangana

Catholic Bishops in Kenya have turned down cash donations amounting to 5.8 million Kenyan Shillings (approximately FCFA 27.8 million) from President William Ruto and the Governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja.

During a church service on Sunday, November 17, President Ruto donated Ksh 600,000 to Soweto Catholic church in Nairobi for choir members and Ksh 2 million that would be used to construct the Reverend Father’s house.

The Governor of Nairobi also donated Ksh200,000 to the same church.

In addition, President Ruto pledged to donate an additional Ksh3 million that would be channeled to the church’s account to purchase a church bus.

A day after, the Archbishop of Nairobi issued a statement denouncing the donations, say it will be refunded.

“These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional Ksh3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house and the donation of a parish bus by the President is now declined,” Bishop Philip Anyolo said in a statement seen by MMI.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a statement on November 14, addressing critical national issues that require urgent attention from the government.

According to the Bishops, politicians should not use the church for their selfish quests.

“The Bishops have consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches, highlighting the ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the Church from being used for political purposes,” Bishop Anyolo maintained.

He added: “Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces.”

Politicians Called to Address Pressing Needs

While declining the donations, Bishop Anyolo advised the Head of State to fulfil the demands made by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops to address the pressing needs plaguing the country.

Bishop Anyolo noted that the Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment.

“Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including political wrangles, corruption, politics of self-interest, violations of human rights and freedom of speech, the culture of lies, issues surrounding NHIF, unfulfilled promises, misplaced priorities, selfish agendas to extend terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans,” he said.

The Church, he emphasized, must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.

Unauthorized Donations Violate the Law

This year, Kenya passed the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill.

Section 10(2) of the law obliges people to obtain permits before carrying out fundraising appeals.

Politicians, the Bishop said, “are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain.”