The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected a cash donation made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday.
On Sunday, President Ruto attended a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi accompanied by Governor Sakaja during which they donated the csh.
During the service, Ruto donated Sh600,000 to the church choir while Sakaja gave Sh200,000. Ruto at the same time gave Sh2 million for the construction of the parish priest's house and pledged another Sh3 million for the same.
The Head of State at the same time promised to deliver a bus to the church in January.
But Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo said the donated cash would be returned and added that the promised bus would not be accepted.
He cited a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that banned such donations.
Archbishop Anyolo stated that the Nairobi Church will maintain a firm stance on politicians' donations, highlighting the Church's need to safeguard itself from being used for political purposes.
"These funds will be returned to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional Sh3 million for the construction of the Father's house as well as donations for the parish bus by the president are hereby declined," the letter reads in part.
Anyolo further urged the church to uphold integrity and refuse contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence.
"Politicians are advised to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by KCCB. 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.
The move by Bishop Anyolo came barely a week after the KCCB made a scathing attack on President William Ruto's government over what they termed as failure to fulfil their campaign promises.
KCCB on Thursday alleged that the continued imposition of new taxes on Kenyans is a secret way to reintroduce the rejected Finance Bill.
While acknowledging that the government can only raise its revenue through taxes, the bishops regretted that the citizenry was being overtaxed.
Addressing the press Thursday in Nairobi, the bishops raised concerns over what they have termed “unreasonable” taxes being introduced “from day to day.”
“It seems this is a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill, 2024. We must keenly listen to the cry of the people; the current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome,” said Maurice Muhatia in a statement.
The bishops at the same time took issue with cases of alleged abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings being reported across the country.
They argued that these cases are happening at a time when many families are still grappling with the loss of their loved ones during the June demonstrations.
