The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches
The Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi has been directed to reject donations of up to Ksh5.8 million from President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja, hours after a section of Kenyans took it upon themselves to pressure the church to reject the gifts.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo in a statement on Monday, November 18 and seen by Viral Tea declined donations of Ksh200,000 from the Governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja to the choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), Ksh 600,000 from President Ruto to the choir and PMC and Ksh 2 million from President Ruto for the construction of the Fathers’ house.
According to Anyolo, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has 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.
He added that the Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion and that politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces.
“Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, 17th November 2024, are in violation of these directives and the law. These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of KSh 200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC); the President’s donation of KSh 600,000 to the choir and PMC; and KSh 2 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors,” the statement read in part.
“Furthermore, the promised additional Ksh3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the President, are hereby declined.”
More to follow…