The President in defence took time to explain the benefits of giving to the church, referencing Bible knowledge that explains the art of giving as a way of seeking blessings.
President William Ruto on Sunday, November 24 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.
The President in defence took time to explain the benefits of giving to the church, referencing Bible knowledge that explains the art of giving as a way of seeking blessings.
He argued that his generosity is not influenced by political prospects or clout, but by his conviction to support churches and gospel ministration.
President William Ruto, Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah during a church service in Soweto on Sunday, November 17, 2024. /PCS
“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.
“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.
The president committed Ksh15 million to upgrade primary and secondary schools in Kipsitet, a locality within Kericho County, as a show of proof.
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 18Â 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.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi called upon the Church to remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.
Anyolo referred to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 under Section 10(2), which stipulates that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect should seek a permit in terms of fundraising appeals in accordance with the Bill.Â
“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.”
The Catholic Bishops through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops during a press conference on November 14, 2024. /PHOTO