Catholic Church Rejects Ksh5.8M Ruto, Sakaja Donations After Uproar

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.

"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," Anyolo urged in part.

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. 

"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."

Even though Anyolo extended a warm welcome to politicians to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, he urged them to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain.

This latest statement is a continuation of the frontal assault by the catholic bishops on President Ruto's government in its declaration that it has had enough of the lies, selfishness, unmet promises and other contentious issues which the government of the day is responsible for.

On Sunday, November 17, Ruto attended a church service in Nairobi where he pledged a Ksh5 million cash gift to Soweto Catholic to go towards the construction of the Father's House.

“I have been informed by the chairman that you are putting up a house for the Father of this church, I am a builder. I am building affordable housing and others. So on Monday or Tuesday, I will give him Ksh 5 million towards that. However, I will follow up on that money. I will know if you misuse it," President Ruto announced.