By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The umbrella body of Catholic Bishops in Kenya has rejected a Sh5.6 million ($40,000) donation made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during their visit to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday.
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in a statement on Monday, said funds already received would be returned.
The Kenyan leader donated Sh600,000 to the choir and Sh2 million for the construction of quarters for the Rev. Father.
This is in addition to a promise of donating another Sh3 million and a parish bus.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, on his part, contributed Sh200,000.
In the statement signed by Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Anyolo, KCCB said, “Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their political gain.”
Anyolo stressed the importance of maintaining the Church’s neutrality to serve as a place for spiritual growth and community support, free from political influence.
“In light of these directives, and in adherence to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 under Section 10(2), it is deemed 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. Such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the Bill,” Anyolo stated.
He urged political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, including political wranglers, corruption, politics of self-interest, human rights abuses and freedom of expression.
“The church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance,” Archbishop Anyolo said.
On Thursday, KCCB accused President Ruto’s government of perpetuating a ‘culture of lies’ and using state machinery to silence critics.
The Catholic bishops had also accused the government of lacking integrity and failing to meet key obligations, including payments owed to essential service providers.
Ruto had been accused of instigating the impeachment of his Rigathi Gachagua, replacing him with a former law professor, Kithure Kindiki.
He accused Gachagua of gross violation of the constitution and stirring ethnic hatred, accusations that he has denied, saying they are politically motivated.
Ruto also accused him of backing the June/July anti-government protest sparked by an attempt to increase tax amidst high cost of living.
At least 50 persons were killed in the protest following confrontations between security forces and Kenyans.
