SACRED DONATIONS SPAT: CHURCH REJECTS RUTO AND SAKAJA’S MILLIONS

The Catholic Church in Nairobi has sensationally refused a combined Ksh 5.8 million donation from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, sparking a fierce debate on the role of politics in places of worship.

The controversy, which has gripped the nation, stems from a high-profile church service held on Sunday, November 17, at Soweto Catholic Church. During the service, President Ruto made a grand gesture, pledging Ksh 600,000 for the choir, Ksh 2 million for a priest’s house, and an additional Ksh 3 million to buy a church bus. Governor Sakaja chipped in with Ksh 200,000, but what seemed like an act of generosity soon turned into a contentious issue.

On Monday, November 18, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, issued a bombshell statement rejecting the contributions. Citing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) principles, Anyolo declared that the church could not accept funds that might compromise its independence or be used as a platform for political gain.

“RETURN THE CASH”: ETHICAL GROUNDS CITED

In his statement, Anyolo pointed out that politicians often exploit church gatherings for self-promotion, undermining the sanctity of worship. “The Catholic Church must uphold integrity and avoid contributions that may compromise its independence or seem to endorse unethical behaviour,” the Archbishop said.

The funds from both leaders will be refunded, including the Ksh 3 million that Ruto had promised but not yet disbursed.

The Archbishop’s announcement followed mounting public pressure. Social media users had flooded the church’s email, urging them to return what they labelled as “tainted money.” Critics accused the politicians of using taxpayer funds to score political points, with some alleging the donations were a cover for corruption.

KCCB’S STRONG STANCE ON POLITICAL DONATIONS

The KCCB has long maintained a firm stance against political donations, emphasising that church platforms should not be co-opted for political propaganda. The bishops recently criticised the Ruto administration over unfulfilled promises, economic hardships, and alleged corruption, sparking tensions between the clergy and the government.

PRESIDENT HITS BACK

President Ruto, known for his fiery rhetoric, dismissed the criticism. Speaking at a separate event, he accused the bishops of being out of touch with his government’s achievements. “While the clergy are welcome to critique, their remarks should be based on facts, not hearsay,” he stated.

A NATION DIVIDED

The fallout from the donation saga has left Kenyans divided. Supporters of the church’s decision argue that rejecting the money sends a strong message about accountability and integrity. Others, however, see it as a missed opportunity to fund vital projects in the community.

This isn’t the first time Ruto’s relationship with the church has been scrutinised. Earlier this year, he faced backlash over hefty donations to religious institutions, with critics questioning the source of the funds amidst Kenya’s dire economic situation.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Soweto Catholic Church has announced that it will rely on its congregation to fund its projects, reaffirming its commitment to self-reliance. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on the government as it navigates increasing criticism from religious leaders and the public.

The incident is a stark reminder of the fine line between philanthropy and politics, with the Catholic Church taking a bold stand against perceived attempts to blur the boundaries. Whether this sparks a broader debate on political influence in Kenyan churches remains to be seen.

For further updates, stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.