In a bold and unprecedented move, the Archdiocese of Nairobi, under the leadership of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), has rejected donations amounting to Ksh 5.8 million from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The funds, which were intended for various church activities at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, were deemed in violation of the Church’s stance on political donations, prompting the Archdiocese to return the contributions and issue a firm statement on adherence to Catholic teachings and ethical leadership.
The donations, which were made during a church service on Sunday, November 17, 2024, included Ksh 600,000 from President Ruto for the church’s choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), Ksh 200,000 from Governor Sakaja for the same groups, and Ksh 2 million intended for the construction of the Father’s house at the church.
In addition, President Ruto had promised Ksh 3 million more for the Father’s house and a donation of a parish bus. However, in accordance with directives issued by the KCCB led by Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo, these funds were rejected, and the Church announced that they would be refunded to the respective donors.
The statement signed by Anyolo, which was read in all Catholic churches within the Archdiocese of Nairobi, emphasized the Church’s unwavering position on the ethical concerns surrounding political donations.
The KCCB has consistently warned against the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion.
Church leaders have urged politicians to refrain from leveraging worship spaces for political gain, asserting that such actions undermine the sanctity of the Church and compromise its mission of spiritual nourishment and community service.
The bishops reiterated that the Church must remain neutral and free from political influence, particularly in light of the growing concerns regarding political wrangles, corruption, human rights violations, and other governance issues.
They called on political leaders to focus on addressing urgent national matters such as corruption, human rights abuses, unfulfilled campaign promises, and the exploitation of ordinary citizens through over-taxation rather than using the Church as a vehicle for political rhetoric or self-promotion.
“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Politicians are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including political wrangling, corruption, the politics of self-interest, violations of human rights, and the culture of lies,” the KCCB statement read.
The rejection of the donations also aligns with the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which mandates that any fundraising appeal or solicitation for donations requires a permit.
The bill underscores the need for transparency and accountability in fundraising activities, especially in religious institutions.
By accepting these funds without the proper regulatory processes in place, the church would have risked violating both ethical guidelines and the law. Consequently, the Church, in line with the KCCB’s directives, made the decision to return the funds and decline any further contributions from political figures.
The move to reject the donations has stirred debate across the country, particularly given the growing influence of politicians in religious circles.
Some have applauded the Church for adhering to its principles, while others have criticized it for turning away financial support that could benefit its community projects.
The Catholic decision came just hours after the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) issued a statement supporting the clergy sentiments to Ruto’s administration.
In a rare and powerful display of unity, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit expressed full backing for the KCCB’s statement issued last Thursday, condemning the government for its failure to address key national issues.”
The Archbishop described the current administration as one that is entrenched in misrule, impunity, and human rights violations, echoing the concerns raised by the Catholic bishops.
“We, the ACK, fully support the Catholic bishops’ statement to the nation. We believe that the government is yet to turn around the country and steer it in the right direction,” Archbishop Sapit said in a statement.
He called out the government’s failure to honor campaign promises and its imposition of punitive policies, particularly the controversial Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) overhaul and excessive taxation that has left many Kenyans struggling.
He further criticized attempts to discredit the Church’s position, stating, “Calling church leaders names or dismissing the bishops’ statement as ‘misleading, erroneous and false’ is itself dishonest.
The bishops have spoken the minds of Kenyans and faithfully expressed the truth as things are on the ground. No amount of attacks or intimidation will deter the Church from calling out evil and speaking the truth to power.”
The KCCB’s rejection of the donations is seen by many last night as a reaffirmation of the Church’s role as a moral compass and a voice of justice in the nation.
By refusing to accept political donations, the Church is sending a clear message that it will not be co-opted into political maneuvering, ensuring that it remains an independent, neutral entity focused on serving the spiritual and social needs of its community.
The issue also highlights the growing intersection between religion and politics in Kenya, where religious leaders are increasingly becoming outspoken on matters of governance.
As political tensions rise and public dissatisfaction grows, the Church’s stance may encourage other religious institutions to reevaluate their relationships with political leaders and donations.
In the aftermath of this bold move, all eyes will be on President Ruto and Governor Sakaja to see how they respond to the Church’s decision.
