Kenya’s Catholic Church has taken a bold stand by rejecting a $40,000 donation from President William Ruto, citing ethical concerns and the need to avoid being used for political gain.
President Ruto made the donation during a Sunday Mass at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, offering funds for constructing a priest’s house and a gift for the choir. He pledged a total of 2.6 million Kenyan shillings ($20,000 in cash and another $20,000 to follow) and promised to donate a parish bus.
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Ethical Concerns Prompt Rejection
Archbishop of Nairobi Philip Anyolo announced that the church would return the funds. He emphasized that the Catholic Church discourages using religious gatherings for political purposes, a stance grounded in both church directives and Kenyan law.
“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events, such as fundraisers and gatherings, as platforms for political self-promotion,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.
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In addition to rejecting the president’s donation, the church also returned 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,350) donated by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who attended the service.
Rising Tensions Between Churches and Politicians
This incident highlights the growing friction between Kenya’s religious institutions and political leaders. With over 80% of Kenyans identifying as Christian, churches have historically maintained close ties with political figures. However, that relationship has come under scrutiny, particularly from young activists who accuse churches of aligning with the government during times of public discontent.
Earlier this year, under the #OccupyChurch movement, protesters criticized religious leaders for failing to stand with citizens during demonstrations against new tax measures. The backlash forced the government to withdraw the controversial finance bill.
Bishops Criticize Government Policies
Last week, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a scathing statement, accusing the government of perpetuating a “culture of lies.” They highlighted concerns over over-taxation, corruption, unemployment, and deteriorating healthcare and education systems.
“Despite the calmness we are experiencing, there is a lot of anxiety, and most people are losing trust in the government,” the bishops stated.
President Ruto responded by cautioning the clergy against spreading “misinformation,” while a pro-government senator, Aaron Cheruiyot, accused the church of promoting “propaganda and fake news.
Support from Other Churches
The Anglican Church of Kenya has backed the Catholic Church’s position. Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit defended the Catholic bishops, stating that they reflected the sentiments of many Kenyans.
Calling church leaders names or dismissing the bishops’ statement as ‘misleading, erroneous, and false’ is itself dishonest,” Archbishop Ole Sapit said. “The bishops have faithfully expressed the truth as things are on the ground.”
A Turning Point in Church-State Relations
This development marks a significant shift in the dynamic between Kenya’s churches and its political elite. With increasing calls for transparency and accountability, religious institutions appear to be distancing themselves from political influence, signaling a growing demand for ethical governance in the country.
