The senator clarified that Gachagua’s pledge was in good faith and was a promise kept after it was made a long time ago.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, November 24 committed to a Ksh1 million donation to the ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu to support construction works, despite controversy surrounding donations to religious institutions.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa however revealed that there was a valid reason behind the former DP’s contribution, amidst politicians facing intense scrutiny over their monetary inputs to churches.
Thang’wa, a well-known ally of Gachagua, spoke at the ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu on Sunday, November 24, where he clarified that Gachagua had made a promise to the church long before the debate surrounding church donations by politicians.
The senator clarified that Gachagua’s pledge was in good faith and was a promise kept after it was made a long time ago.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing congregants during a church service at AIPCA Kangari, Kigumo in Murang’a County on Sunday, November 24, 2024. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA
“We have had to fear because we saw some people taking cash donations to church, and they were returned. The church wrote to the president and his people, but the former president was not.Â
“He (Gachagua) was here previously and announced he owed you money for paint. He gave me Ksh1 million, which I have kept since October 27. So he has kept his promise, which he made a long time ago,” the senator said.
The latest move from Gachagua came on the same day his former boss, President William Ruto, vowed to continue giving donations to the church, despite drawing controversy over his previous contributions which culminated in one of them being rejected last week.
Speaking as the guest of honour at an Interdenominational church service in Kapsitet Primary School in Kericho County, Ruto stated that he would continue giving to the church as he has done for many years to seek blessings.
“We are going to give for the building of the church and God’s work because we are a product of giving ourselves.
“Our salvation is a product of giving. It is God who gave first, and that is why we have the privilege to know Christ and believe in Him. He gave his only begotten son so that today, we can equally be saved,” he narrated.
The President stated that no one should feel guilty about donating, referring to the Christians’ understanding of God’s word that more blessings would come if they give rather than receive.
“We have absolutely no apologies to make as we give to God. We understand the word of God enough to know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that is what we are going to do.Â
“I have built churches for over 30 years, and I have never lacked because I know the secret of giving and what it does. I am a product of giving,” said Ruto.
President Ruto vows to continue giving donations to the church
“We are going to give for the building of the church and God’s work because we are a product of giving ourselves”#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/DwoBLpUrbX
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) November 24, 2024
This response came almost a week after the Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi was directed to reject donations of up to Ksh5.8 million from President 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 declined donations of Ksh200,000 from the Governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja to the choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), Ksh600,000 from President Ruto to the choir and PMC and Ksh2 million from President Ruto for the construction of the Fathers’ house.